KABUL trounced hosts Malaysia in the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Under-19 Elite Cup semifinal on Friday, qualifying for next year’s extravaganza.
Afghanistan Cricket Board spokesman Farid Hotak told Pajhwok Afghan News the national team, asked to bat first, posted a 233-run total in the stipulated 50 overs in the first semi-final encounter.
Shahidullah Shahidi once again shone with the willow for his side, playing a superb knock of 68 runs, followed by Munir Ahmad with 53. Mangal hit 25 and Shahidullah Shafaq 23.
The hosts were bundled out for a mere 93, conceding the Afghans a massive 140-run victory, Hotak said, praising Syed Sherzad and Ziaur Rahman for their fiery bowling spells. Both took two wickets each.
Shahidi, who also captured a wicket, was declared the Man of the Match in recognition of his sturdy all-round performance that saw Afghanistan qualifying for the U-19 world Cup, the ACB spokesman said.
This year’s ACC U-19 Elite Cup serves as a direct feeder to the ICC U-19 World Cup with the winner, or other finalist, as there is no other qualifying event in between. The UAE will host the event in February 2014.
In their previous Group-A matches of the 10-nation competition, Afghanistan downed Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Thailand.
The ICC U-19 World Cup was initially staged as a one-off event in Australia in 1988, but he tournament was restored a decade later in 1998. It has since been held once every two years. The UAE will stage the 10th edition of the event, which India and Australia have won three times.
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