Afghans crush UAE in U-19 Elite Cup

KABUL shellacked the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a Group-A match of the 10-nation Asian Cricket Council (ACC) U-19 Elite Cup, an official said on Saturday.

The national squad won the toss and decided to bat first, piling up 246 runs in the stipulated 50 overs, Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) spokesman Farid Hotak told Pajhwok Afghan News.

Hashmatullah Shahidi top-scored for the winners with a magnificent 93, followed by Rahim Mangal with 55 and Shahidullah 36, the spokesman said.

In reply to the formidable target, the UAE were bundled out for a meager 85 in 31.2 overs, conceding the Afghans a massive 161-run victory. Shahid was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets.  Zahir Shahzad and Ziaur Rahman captured two scalps each.

This year’s ACC U-19 Elite Cup serves as a direct feeder to the ICC U19 World Cup with the winner, or other finalist, as there is no other qualifying event in between.

Afghanistan and Nepal, having had the benefit of six-week camps, are likely picks for the final. Hong Kong and Kuwait, as well as Malaysia and Saudi Arabia are in the run for the semi-finals.

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