In a heart-stopping finish at the Mulpani Cricket Stadium, Afghanistan U19 edged out Nepal U19 by a solitary run to seal the three-match series 2-0 with a game to spare. In what turned out to be a thrilling encounter filled with drama and nerves, Nepal came agonizingly close to pulling off a memorable chase but fell short, bowled out for 167 in 49.3 overs in pursuit of 169.
Afghanistan, batting first, managed 168 in their allotted 50 overs. Mahboob Khan held the innings together with a gritty 58 off 114 balls, while Roohullah Arab (27 off 34) and Uzairullah Niazi (19 off 52) provided vital contributions. For Nepal, Santosh Yadav was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3 for 23, supported well by Cibrin Shrestha (2-28) and Bipin Sharma (2-44).
Nepal’s chase started on a promising note, with Shahil Patel anchoring the innings with a composed 64 off 119 balls. Abhishek Tiwari (24) and Darsh Sonar (21) chipped in with handy knocks. At one point, Nepal appeared in control, but Afghanistan fought back strongly in the middle overs, tightening the screws with disciplined bowling.
With 11 runs needed in the final over and just one wicket in hand, Darsh Sonar reignited hopes by smashing two boundaries in the first three balls. However, high drama ensued when he was bowled on what turned out to be a no-ball. Amid the confusion led to a run-out, sealing a dramatic one-run win for Afghanistan.
The final match of the series will be played on April 9. Nepal and Afghanistan will then compete in a ICC U19 World Cup Asia Qualifer in Nepal itself.
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