4:03 PM IST, 2:33 PM Local Time: With that paddle sweep, Afghanistan have registered a victory by six wickets over Nepal U19. This is their first victory of the tournament and will go back to their home with something to cheer about. Nepal U19 remain winless in the tournament.
After winning the toss, Afghanistan opted to field and their bowlers justified the decision with a tight and methodical display. Nepal struggled to generate momentum against accurate lines and consistent pressure, losing wickets at regular intervals. Despite pockets of resistance, the Nepal batters were unable to string together meaningful partnerships and were eventually bowled out for 124 in 46.4 overs. The top scorer was Dilshad Ali, for scoring 32 off 68 balls.
The conditions were windy and a bit overcast during the early part of the first innings. This aided the swing bowling and made it difficult for the Nepal batters. In the innings, Nepal batters played out over 200 dot balls. However, this was the maximum number of overs they have played in an innings in the tournament.
Afghanistan’s bowling unit shared the workload efficiently, keeping scoring opportunities to a minimum and forcing errors from the Nepal batters. The modest total reflected Afghanistan’s control throughout the innings and left Nepal with little margin for error. Spinner Zaitullah Shaheen picked up three wickets while Nooristani Omarzai, Abdul Aziz and Wahidullah Zadran took two wickets each.
Chasing 125, Afghanistan’s reply was steady rather than fluent. Nepal’s bowlers made early inroads and applied pressure with disciplined spells, but the Afghan middle order responded with composure. Careful rebuilding and sensible strike rotation ensured the chase stayed on course despite the early loss of wickets.
As the innings progressed, Afghanistan tightened its grip on the contest, gradually wearing down Nepal’s attack. The batters showed patience and maturity, refusing to take unnecessary risks while keeping the target firmly within reach. Afghanistan eventually crossed the line at 125 for 4 in 26.5 overs, sealing the win with six wickets in hand.
Uzairullah Niazai was the top scorer for scoring 61 off 59 balls. This was his first half-century of this year's tournament. For Nepal, Abhisekh Tiwari was the pick of the bowlers for taking two scalps.
The victory gave Afghanistan a win after two consecutive losses in the tournament. However, their campaign in this tournament comes to an end with this game. Meanwhile, Nepal will return home after suffering defeat in all three league games.