After back to back losses, Afghanistan’s U19 (Under-19) came back today and defeated Canada by 4 wickets ICC (International Cricket Council) in a Under-19 World Cup match. Canada won the coin toss and chose to bat first. Canada scored 147 runs (all out; 50 overs; 190 mins). Afghanistan reach the target easily; they scored 149 runs (6 wickets; 24.1 overs; 95 minutes). Tariq Stanikzai scored 56 runs and was given player of the match honors.
Meanwhile in India, Afghanistan’s A team defeated Zimbabwe by 5 wickets in a 50 overs match today. Afghanistan won the coin toss and chose to field first. Zimbabwe’s A team scored 214 runs (all out; 46 overs). Afghanistan was able to reach the target thanks to a contribution of 126 runs from Najeeb Tarakai. The Afghan team scored a total of 218 runs (5 wickets; 43.1 overs). Tarakai was given player of the match honors for his outstanding batting. Afghanistan and Zimbabwe will face off again on February 3rd (12:00 local time).
Finally, Afghanistan’s national cricket left for India today to participate in practices matches in New Delhi in preparation for the 5 nation Asia Cup Twenty20 Qualifiers, which will be held from February 19th to the 22nd. Afghanistan’s first match will be on February 19th against UAE (United Arab Emirates). The match will start at 13:30 local time.