U19 World Cup 2024 (Game 10) – New Zealand vs Afghanistan
In a heart-stopping encounter at Buffalo Park, New Zealand Under-19 emerged victorious in what is being hailed as the highlight match of the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2024. Facing Afghanistan Under-19, the Kiwis experienced a turbulent chase of an under 100 target but managed to secure a win with just one wicket in hand.
Afghanistan’s decision to bat first backfired as they were bowled out for a meager 91 runs, unable to counter the fiery pace attack led by Matt Rowe, who claimed an impressive five-wicket haul. Despite Jamshid Zadran’s resilience with a top score of 22, Afghanistan struggled to set a challenging total.
In response, the Kiwis found themselves in dire straits too, struggling at 23/4 and later 52/6, grappling with the spin of Allah Ghazanfar. The Black Caps Skipper Oscar Jackson played a captain’s innings, stabilizing the innings alongside Sam Clode. The duo navigated the challenging situation, benefitting from Afghan extras. However, with Jackson’s dismissal at 26 and just two wickets remaining, the game hung in the balance. The dramatic Mankading of Ewald Schreuder by Naseer Khan Maroofkhil left the Kiwis needing two runs with one wicket in hand. Under immense pressure, Matt Rowe held his nerve and sealed the win for New Zealand with a single in the next
delivery.
Despite their low target, Afghanistan Under-19 showcased exceptional fight, particularly with Allah Mohammad’s impactful three-wicket haul. Khalil Ahmed and Arab Gul also contributed with two wickets each. The Afghans kept the pressure on New Zealand till the end but were ultimately thwarted by the Kiwis, who secured a hard-fought victory and two crucial points in the tournament.
Chief Scores :
Afghanistan U19 – 91 for 10 in 21.3 overs (Jamshid Zadran 22, Arab Gul 10*, Allah Ghazanfar 9, Matthew Buchanan Rowe 5 for 21, Ewald Wouter Schreuder 2 for 15, Ryan Tsourgas 2 for 33)
New Zealand U19 – 92 for 9 in 28.2 overs (Oscar Thomas Jackson 26, Lachlan Stackpole 12, Robbie Foulkes 8, Allah Ghazanfar 3 for 29, Arab Gul 2 for 12, Khalel Ahmad 2 for 16)
