Afghanistan’s Under-19 team continued their preparations for the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup with a six-wicket win over Australia in a warm-up match on Sunday, chasing down a revised target under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.
Australia U19, who won the toss and chose to bat, were bowled out for 167 after a disciplined bowling performance by Afghanistan. Abdul Aziz led the attack with figures of 3 for 30, while Nasratullah Nooristani took 2 for 6. Wahidullah Zadran, Nazifullah Amiri, Zaitullah Shaheen and Hafeez Zadran each claimed a wicket.
At the halfway stage of the innings, Australia were reduced to 81 for five, as Afghanistan’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout.
In reply, Afghanistan were guided by Osman Khan, who top-scored with 54, while Mahboob Khan added an unbeaten 34 and Uzairullah Khan chipped in with 28 as the target was reached with six wickets to spare.
The match was Afghanistan’s first warm-up fixture ahead of the Under-19 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia. Afghanistan are scheduled to face Sri Lanka in their second warm-up match before beginning their group-stage campaign later this week.
