KATHMANDU, Nepal — Afghanistan’s under-19 national cricket team extended their unbeaten run at the ICC U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Asia Qualifier on Wednesday with a comprehensive 180-run victory over the United Arab Emirates, powered by a commanding century from Khalid Ahmadzai.
Ahmadzai scored 132 off 124 deliveries, including 19 boundaries, to anchor Afghanistan’s total of 359 for 4 in 50 overs. He was named Player of the Match for his match-defining knock. He was supported by Yug Sharma, who contributed a solid 67.
In reply, the UAE managed only 168 for 7 in 47 overs before the match was decided under the Duckworth-Lewis method due to weather interruptions. Rayan Khan was the standout for the UAE with a 64-run effort, while Afghan bowler Nasrat Nooristani took 3 wickets for 40 runs to help restrict the chase.
This victory marks Afghanistan’s third successive win in the regional qualifier, following dominant eight-wicket wins over Hong Kong on April 14 and Oman on April 13.
With momentum on their side, the Afghanistan U19s will now face host nation Nepal in a highly anticipated final group-stage clash on Saturday, April 19, at the same venue. The winner will likely secure a spot in the 2026 ICC U-19 World Cup.
