Afghanistan defeated Nepal by just one run in a closely contested under-19 One Day International match held Sunday at Mulpani Cricket Ground.
Batting first, Afghanistan posted a total of 169 runs before being bowled out in 50 overs. Mahboob Khan led the scoring with 58 runs, followed by Roohullah Arab with 27 and Uzairullah Niazai with 19. Only three other players reached double digits: Nazifullah Amiri (16), Khatir Stanikzai (11), and Khalid Ahmadzai (10).
Nepal’s bowling attack was led by Santosh Yadav, who claimed three wickets. Bipin Sharma and Cibrin Shrestha took two wickets each, while Abhisekh Tiwari and Aprajit Poudel took one apiece.
In reply, Nepal fell just short, all out for 167 in 49.3 overs. Sahil Patel top-scored with 64 runs, while Abhisekh Tiwari contributed 24 and Dhurv Sonar added 21. Despite efforts from Niraj Kumar Yadav (15) and Naren Bhatta (13), Nepal was unable to chase down the modest target.
Afghanistan’s bowlers shared the wickets. Wahidullah Zadran, Zaitullah Shaheen, and Hafeez Zadran each took two wickets. Arab, Khan and Niazai chipped in with one wicket apiece.
The narrow victory marked a dramatic finish to the match, highlighting the rising competitiveness between the youth squads.
