Afghanistan U19 have secured their third Semi-final qualification in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup after confirming the spot for the 2026 edition by securing the second position in the Group 1 points table of the Super 6 in the tournament.
Last Friday (30 January), Afghanistan U19 faced Ireland U19 in the must-win fixture to advance to the Semi-finals. In the case of their defeat, Sri Lanka U19 would take their place by securing the second position in the group. Meanwhile, from Group 1, defending champions Australia U19 already secured the Semi-finals spot after sealing the top spot of the points table.
After Afghanistan U19 chose to bat first at Harare, they scored 315/7 in 50 overs. Ultimately, they managed to thrash their opponents, as Ireland U19 were bundled out for only 124 runs in 40.4 overs, and Afghanistan U19 won the match by 191 runs.
The no.3 Afghan batter Faisal Shinozada slammed a century, as his 163 off 142 balls with 18 fours and one six helped his team to manage the 300+ total. Faisal’s innings became the new record for Afghanistan U19 with the highest score in their Youth ODI history. The previous record was 156 by Karim Janat against Fiji U19 in the U19 WC 2016.
Also, captain and wicketkeeper-batter Mahboob Khan scored 89 off 79 balls with five fours and two sixes, as he had an 188-run partnership with Faisal Shinozada.
Among the Irish colts, Reuben Wilson (3/52) and Oliver Riley (3/61) picked up three wickets each.
In reply, Ireland were never in the chase, as they lost their first three wickets for only 21 runs, and the scenario followed the entire innings. Only Marko Bates (34) and Reuben Wilson (31) managed to score 20+ runs in that innings.
Among the Afghan bowlers, Abdul Aziz (3/21) and Aqil Khan (3/36) both picked up three wickets, as the bowlers dominated the second innings to seal a giant win.
ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026: Super 6 – Group 1
Position | Team | Played | Won | Lost | No Result | Points | Net Run Rate |
1 | Australia U19 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 1.950 |
2 | Afghanistan U19 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 1.725 |
3 | Sri Lanka U19 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 | –0.113 |
4 | West Indies U19 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | –0.421 |
5 | South Africa U19 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | –0.980 |
6 | Ireland U19 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | –2.010 |
