Afghanistan’s Under-19 team advanced to the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup on Friday after a dominant 191-run victory over Ireland.
After winning the toss, Afghanistan chose to bat and recovered from early losses to post 315 for seven. Faisal Khan Shinozada anchored the innings with a career-best 163, sharing key partnerships of 75 runs with Uzairullah Khan Niazi (26) and 188 with captain Mahboob Khan, who scored 89.
Shinozada’s knock was the highest individual score by an Afghan batter at an Under-19 World Cup and made him only the second from the country to score 150 in the tournament, following Karim Janat’s 156 in 2016.
Ireland were then dismissed for 124 as Afghanistan’s bowlers tore through the batting order. Abdul Aziz Khan took three wickets for 21 runs and Aqil Khan Obaid claimed three for 36, while Nasratullah Nooristani and Rohullah Arab picked up a wicket apiece.
Shinozada was named player of the match as Afghanistan reached the Under-19 World Cup semi-finals for the third time. They will play their semi-final on Wednesday, with their opponents to be confirmed after the remaining Super Six matches.
