Afghanistan U19 start ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 with win against South Africa U19

Afghanistan U19 started the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 strongly by beating one-time champions South Africa U19 by 28 runs in their tournament opener on Friday (January 16).

After South Africa U19 chose to field first, Afghanistan U19 scored 266/8 in 50 overs. In reply, South Africa U19 were bowled out for 238 runs in 47.4 overs. 

Afghanistan U19 had strong start, and Uzairullah Niazai played valuable knock after collapse 

While the opener Osman Sadat (4) was dismissed after a 31-run partnership for the first wicket, his opening partner Khalid Ahmadzai and the no.3 batter Faisal Shinozada had a 152-run partnership for the second wicket. While Khalid was dismissed for 74 off 1`02 balls with six fours and one six, Faisal was out for 81 off 95 balls with eight fours and two sixes. 

From 183/1, Afghanistan U19 were suddenly down to 186/5. After that collapse, the no.4 batter Uzairullah Niazai played a saviour knock with a run-a-ball 51 not out, while only Nooristani Omarzai (14) was the only other batter to manage a double-digit score in that innings. South African bowlers delivered 35 extras, including 20 wides and two no-balls, which cost them the game poorly. 

Among South African bowlers, Corne Botha (3/45) and Bayanda Majola (3/59) picked up three wickets each.

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Fighter Jason Rowles had no support; 4 run outs

In reply, South Africa lost their wickets in regular intervals, while only the no.4 batter Jason Rowles provided a fight back. Before getting run out in the crucial 41st over, Rowles scored 98 off 93 balls with nine fours and three sixes. Only three more lower-order batters managed to reach the 20-run mark, as none of them crossed the 25-run mark. 

Four African batters were run out, while four Afghan bowlers managed to pick up wickets, including double-wicket takers Abdul Aziz (2/49) and Khatir Stanikzai (2/46). For valuable 51 runs and picking up two catches along with involvement in one run out, Uzairullah Niazai won the Player of the Match award.