KATHMANDU, Nepal — Nepal’s under-19 national cricket team defeated Afghanistan by 85 runs via the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern (DLS) method on Wednesday, salvaging pride in the final match of their three-game series at the Mulpani Cricket Stadium. But despite the win, it was Afghanistan who claimed the series 2–1.
Batting first, Nepal were bowled out for 191 in 44.5 overs. Sahil Patel led the effort with a measured 46 off 62 balls. In response, Afghanistan found themselves in early trouble at 46 for 6 in 20.1 overs when rain interrupted play. With conditions deteriorating, match officials turned to the DLS method to determine the result, handing Nepal an 85-run victory.
The win came too late to alter the series outcome, as Afghanistan had already secured victories in the first two matches.
In the series opener last Thursday, Afghanistan recorded a commanding 130-run win. Faisal Khan starred with the bat, falling just short of a century with 97 runs, while Khalid Ahmadzai added 75. Afghanistan’s bowlers — led by Zaitullah Shaheen, Mahboob Khan and Wahidullah Zadran — dismantled Nepal’s batting order with two wickets apiece.
The second match, held Sunday, was a dramatic low-scoring contest. Afghanistan were bowled out for 169 in 50 overs, with Mahboob Khan top-scoring with 58. Nepal came within inches of victory but were bowled out for 167 in the final over, giving Afghanistan a nail-biting one-run win and an unassailable 2–0 lead in the series.
While Wednesday’s loss dampened the finish for the Afghan Future Stars, the 2–1 series result reflects their dominance throughout the week. For Nepal, the final match offered a glimpse of promise from a young side still building consistency at the international youth level.
