Afghanistan clinch U19 tri-series with thrilling victory over Pakistan

Afghanistan's U19 cricket team triumphed in a nail-biting finale to secure the U19 tri-series title, defeating Pakistan by 21 runs at the ICC Academy Ground on Tuesday. The victory was powered by anchoring half-centuries from Barkat Ibrahimzai and Nazifullah Amiri, coupled with a disciplined bowling performance.

Batting first, Afghanistan overcame early setbacks to post a challenging total of 250/9 in their allotted 50 overs. Openers Mahboob Khan (2) and Uzairullah Nizai (7) departed early, leaving the team reeling at 19/2. A stabilizing 50-run partnership between Faisal Khan Shinozada and Naseer Khan Maroof Khil briefly revived the innings before a middle-order collapse reduced Afghanistan to 91/6 in the 26th over.

The match took a decisive turn when Ibrahimzai (69 off 90 balls) and Amiri (56 off 60 balls) combined for a 120-run stand for the seventh wicket. Their gritty partnership pushed Afghanistan past the 200-run mark, setting a competitive target for Pakistan. Ibrahimzai’s knock, which included six fours and three sixes, earned him the Player of the Match award.

Ali Raza and Abdul Subhan were the pick of Pakistan's bowlers, each claiming three wickets. Faham Ul Haq and Umar Zaib chipped in with one wicket apiece.

In their chase, Pakistan showed promise but fell short, bowled out for 229 in 48 overs. Haroon Arshad’s brisk 70 off 59 balls and Shahzaib Khan’s steady 53 off 98 deliveries kept Pakistan in the hunt. Contributions from Farhan Yousaf (29) and Riaz Ullah (21) provided support, but Afghanistan’s bowlers held their nerve.

Nooristani Omrazai and Naseer Khan Maroof Khil claimed two wickets each for Afghanistan, while Abdul Aziz Khan, Khatir Khan Stanikzai, Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, and Uzairullah Nizai shared four wickets among them.