Afghanistan U19 made a dominant start to their series against Nepal U19, securing a commanding 130-run victory in the first match at Mulpani Cricket Ground. With this win, Afghanistan took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
After electing to bat first, Afghanistan posted a formidable total of 300/9 in their 50 overs. The foundation of their innings was laid by a crucial 154-run partnership for the second wicket between Khalid Ahmadzai and Faisal Shinozada. Khalid played a composed knock of 76, while Faisal was the aggressor, smashing an 88-ball 97 to put Nepal on the back foot. Barkat Ibrahimzai also scored a solid 35 runs.
For Nepal, Santosh Yadav picked up three wickets whilst Abhishek Tiwari grabbed a couple of wickets.
In response, Nepal struggled to build partnerships and kept losing wickets at regular intervals, eventually getting bowled out for 170 in 46.2 overs. Despite a fighting half-century from Niraj Kumar Yadav (53), and contributions from Santosh Yadav and Ashok Dhami (24 each), the hosts fell well short of the target. No other batters were able to make a significant contribution.
For Afghanistan, Zaitullah Shaheen, Mahboob Khan and Wahidullah Zadran picked up two wickets each.
The two teams will meet again for the second match on April 6. This series holds significant importance for both sides as they prepare for the upcoming ICC tournament, set to begin on April 12.
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