By Samuel Peters
Afghanistan Under-19s were absolutely clinical in defeating West Indies Under-19s by 138 runs in the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup on Sunday in Windhoek, Namibia.
Captain and wicketkeeper Mahboob Khan starred with a match-winning 86 off 69 balls as Afghanistan posted 262 for six before their bowlers dismantled the West Indies lineup for just 124 in 33.2 overs.
Openers Khalid Ahmadzai (34) and Osman Sadat (88) provided a solid foundation with an 86-run partnership. Sadat’s patient knock from 131 deliveries featured 16 boundaries before he fell to Jakeem Pollard in the 42nd over.
Khan then took charge with a blistering 86 off 69 balls, smashing 10 fours and a six while Azizullah Miakhil added a quickfire 21, and Nooristani Omarzai remained unbeaten on 33. Pollard (3/39) and left arm chinaman Vitel Lawes (3/48) were the pick of the West Indies bowlers.
West Indies’ chase collapsed immediately, slumping to 21 for three in the sixth over. Wahidullah Zadran struck early, removing Tanez Francis (9), Zachary Carter (3), and captain Joshua Dorne (0) to leave the Caribbean side in disarray.
Jewel Andrew top-scored with a classy but fighting 57 from 70 balls, though he received little support as wickets tumbled around him. Nooristani Omarzai was devastating, claiming four wickets for just 16 runs from 7.2 overs. His victims included Shamar Apple, Jonathan van Lange, Matthew Miller, and Vitel Lawes.
Khatir Stanikzai provided excellent support with three for 20, dismissing Andrew, Shaquan Belle, and Micah McKenzie to complete the rout. West Indies were bowled out for 124, falling 138 runs short.
Khan was named Player of the Match for his match-winning innings that set up Afghanistan’s imposing total and kept their World Cup campaign firmly on track. West Indies are now in a must win scenario against South Africa who they will meet on Tuesday.
