Afghanistan, UAE clash in 13th U-19 WC match

KABUL Cup in South Africa today.

With impressive performances to their credit, the two sides meet in the 13th match at the North West University Oval ground in Potchefstroom.

In the opener of the tournament, Afghanistan outclassed hosts South Africa by seven wickets. Shafiqullah Ghafari, who claimed his career-best figures of six for 15, helped Afghanistan bundle out the opposition for 129 in 29.1 overs.

Bryce Parsons (40) and Gerald Coetzee (38) were the main scorers for the Springboks. Afghanistan achieved the target for the loss of three wickets in the 26th over -- thanks to half centuries by Imran Mir 57 (57) Ibrahim Zadran (52).

A win over Afghanistan will boost UAE chances of reaching the Super League stage. The UAE scored emphatic triumphs over New Zealand and Japan in warm-up matches before trouncing Canada in their World Cup duel.

By the same token, Afghan skipper Shafiqullah Ghafari will look to batsmen Imran Mir, Ibrahim Zadran and Aryan Lakra to post a decent total for their side. Noor Ahmad and Fazal Haq are Afghanistan’s main bowling options.

Afghanistan: Ibrahim Zadran, Mohammad Ishaq, Abdul Rahman, Abid Mohammadi, Farhan Zakhil, Sediqullah Atal, Fazal Haq, Jamshid Khan, Shafiqullah Ghafari, Abidullah Taniwal, Asif Musazai, Rahmanullah, Noor Ahmad, Imran Mir and Zohaib Ahmadzai

UAE: Aryan Lakra, Alishan Sharafu, Muhammad Farazuddin, Figy John, Karthik Palaniapan, Ansh Tandon, Wasi Shah, Osama Hassan, Akasha Tahir, Rishabh Mukherjee, Vriitya Aravind, Sanchit Sharma, Kai Smith, Ali Naseer and Chathiyan Dashan.

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