Afghanistan 266 for 8 (Shinozada 81, Ahmadzai 74, Niazai 51, Botha 3-45) beat South Africa 238 (Rowles 98, Aziz 2-49, Stanikzai 2-46) by 28 runs
Afghanistan produced one of the most remarkable upsets in recent Under-19 World Cup history, defeating South Africa by 28 runs in Windhoek, while England and Australia enjoyed commanding victories in their respective fixtures.
Afghanistan posted 266 for 8, with half-centuries from Faisal Shinozada (81), Khalid Ahmadzai (74) and Uzairullah Niazai (51) anchoring the innings. South Africa’s bowlers made early inroads, removing opener Osman Sadat cheaply, but Ahmadzai and Shinozada combined for a 152-run second-wicket partnership to stabilise the innings. Bayanda Majola finally struck in the 35th over to remove Ahmadzai, followed by Shinozada in the next over. Niazai ensured Afghanistan finished strongly, holding his nerve to guide his side to a competitive total. Majola and Corne Botha ended with three wickets each.
South Africa looked set for victory when they reached 175 for 5 after 40 overs. Jason Rowles was at the crease, scoring 98 before a run out ended his innings. A brief late surge from Botha reduced the equation to 39 runs off 24 balls, but Khatir Stanikzai trapped Botha at the end of the 47th over. South Africa’s innings collapsed thereafter, losing the final two wickets in the 48th over to hand Afghanistan a sensational win.
England 210 (Falconer 66, Hussain 3-38, Subhan 2-24) beat Pakistan 173 (Yousaf 65, Green 2-21, Minto 2-23, Albert 2-23) by 37 runs
In Harare, England overcame Pakistan by 37 runs, with Caleb Falconer’s 66 rescuing the home side after a shaky start. England were 67 for 3 in the 16th over on a slow pitch, soon slipping to 90 for 4. Falconer and Ralphie Albert added 80 for the fifth wicket, with Falconer scoring a run-a-ball fifty in the 29th over. Ahmed Hussain broke the stand, dismissing Albert for 25, and Falconer fell shortly after. England closed on 210, with Subhan taking 2 for 24 and Hussain 3 for 38.
Pakistan’s chase faltered as Alex Green and James Minto reduced them to 28 for 3 in the ninth over. Captain Farhan Yousaf battled with 65 off 86 deliveries, but received little support beyond Momin Qamar’s 18 not out. Despite brief partnerships with Huzaifa Ahsan, Pakistan fell short at 173, bowled out with two wickets in hand. England’s disciplined bowling ensured a comfortable win.
Australia 237 for 2 (Hogan 115, Samuel 77*, Murray 1-46) beat Ireland 235 for 7 (O’Brien 79, Ogilby 49, Lachmund 3-41) by eight wickets
Australia also stamped their authority on the competition, defeating Ireland by eight wickets in Windhoek. Ireland posted 235 for 7, with Rob O’Brien scoring a patient 79 and Freddie Ogilby contributing 49. Offspinner Will Malajczuk broke the partnership in the 29th over, preventing Ogilby from reaching a half-century.
Chasing 236, Australia were powered by Steven Hogan’s 115 and Nitesh Samuel’s unbeaten 77. The pair shared a 186-run stand that effectively decided the contest. Hogan brought up his century off 97 balls with 11 fours and a six, before falling to Luke Murray in the 36th over. Samuel, finishing on 77 not out, guided Australia to victory with 62 balls to spare, giving his team a perfect start to the tournament.
Afghanistan’s triumph over South Africa serves notice that no side can be taken lightly in this World Cup. England and Australia, meanwhile, showed the potency of their batting line-ups, setting a high benchmark for the next round of fixtures. The tournament promises more thrills as emerging talents stake their claim on the global stage.
