Afghanistan delivered a commanding all-round performance to register a resounding 138-run victory over the West Indies at the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, stamping their authority in Group D with a display of discipline across batting, bowling and fielding in Namibia’s capital.
According to the International Cricket Council (ICC) website, after being asked to bat, Afghanistan laid a solid foundation through opener Osman Sadat and skipper Mahboob Khan. Sadat anchored the innings with a patient 88 off 131 balls, weathering early pressure and rotating the strike effectively, while Mahboob injected momentum with a fluent 86 off just 69 deliveries.
The pair ensured Afghanistan maintained control through the middle overs, guiding the side to a competitive total of 262 for six from their allotted 50 overs.
The West Indies bowlers struggled to contain Afghanistan’s measured approach, with the Asian side balancing caution and aggression to steadily build pressure. Contributions lower down the order ensured there was no late collapse, allowing Afghanistan to post a total that always looked beyond the Caribbean side’s comfort zone.
In response, the West Indies chase unravelled early under sustained pressure from Afghanistan’s pace attack. Opening bowler Wahid Zadran set the tone with an incisive new-ball spell, finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 36 from nine overs. His ability to extract movement and maintain discipline during the Powerplay left the West Indies on the back foot from the outset.
“It’s always been a pleasure bowling well at the top of the Powerplay,” Zadran said after the match. “But I always give the credit to the team. The rest I don’t care about. It’s very, very good to get the win.”
Afghanistan’s intensity was not limited to the bowling alone. Sharp fielding and athletic catches repeatedly halted any attempts at recovery by the West Indies batters. Zadran was quick to acknowledge the role played by his teammates in the field.
“I give all the credit to our fielders,” he said. “We took some brilliant catches and made some brilliant stops. That gives the bowlers a lot of confidence and energy.”
Reflecting on the significance of the win, Zadran added, “It was a day that made history, but in cricket every day is a new day. We just want to take the momentum of today into the next game.”
With this comprehensive victory, Afghanistan sit clear at the top of Group D and look firmly on course for a Super Six berth. They will aim to maintain their unbeaten run when they face Tanzania in their next fixture in Namibia on Wednesday.
