Afghanistan’s U-19 cricket team went down to Pakistan by only 13 runs on Wednesday in their third tri-nation series One Day match at the ICC Academy in Dubai. 

This was Pakistan’s first win over Afghanistan in the ongoing tournament after the Afghans defeated their opponents by 100 runs at the same venue on Friday.

Chasing 245 to win, Afghanistan lost their opening batter Mahboob Khan in the first over but recovered as Uzairullah Niazai and Faisal Shinozada secured a 104-run partnership for the second wicket. 

After Faisal’s departure, Uzairullah soon followed with Afghanistan at 142 for three in 26.5 overs. 

Afghanistan were bundled out for 231 in 46.4 overs. 

Earlier, after opting to bat first, Pakistan’s opening pair Shahzaib Khan and Usman Khan provided a solid 129-run stand to Pakistan.

Left-handed Usman, who scored a century against Afghanistan in the previous match, scored an 88-ball 77, which included eight fours. 

Shahzaib meanwhile top-scored for the side with 78 off 101 balls, hitting seven boundaries.

For Afghanistan, Abdul Aziz Khan and Khatir Khan Stanikzai bagged three wickets apiece, while Naseer Khan Maroofkhil snapped two wickets.

Pakistan will take on the hosts UAE U19 in their last group match on Friday, 22 November.

In a post on X, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said late Wednesday: “Not the result we would have wanted but Afghanistan Future Stars will look to bounce back in the next match.”

Afghanistan will take on UAE U19 on Sunday, November 24.

Afghanistan under-19 cricket team defeated the United Arab Emirates under-19 team by 169 runs in their second match of the tri-nation series in Dubai on Monday.

Batting first after winning the toss, Afghans posted 359-5 as they played all the mandated 50 overs in the ICC Academy in Dubai.

Faisal Khan scored 156 runs while captain Mehboob Khan made 141.

In reply, UAE made 190 before they were all out in the 45.4 overs.

It is Afghanistan U19's second consecutive win in the two matches they have played so far in the tri-series.

Afghanistan U19 defeated Pakistan by 100 runs in their first match.

Afghanistan U19 will meet Pakistan U19 again on Wednesday.

The Abu Dhabi T10 is back for its electrifying eighth season, kicking off on Thursday November 21 with an exhilarating showdown between Team Abu Dhabi and the Ajman Bolts. 

For cricket fans across Afghanistan, all the excitement will be brought to you by Ariana Radio & Television Network (ATN). 

This year’s tournament boasts an expanded format with 10 teams competing in a thrilling season, where the top five will engage in a fierce battle for a place in the final. 

Cricket’s fastest format will unfold over 40 matches in just 12 days, utilizing a round-robin structure at the iconic Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub.

The playoffs will start with Qualifier 1 on December 1, featuring the top two teams. 

Teams ranked fourth and fifth will clash in Eliminator 1, followed by Eliminator 2, where Team 3 will face the winner of Eliminator 1. 

The runners-up of Qualifier 1 will then meet the winner of Eliminator 2 in Qualifier 2, leading up to the grand finale on December 2, where the champions of Qualifier 1 and Qualifier 2 will compete for the title.

Defending champions, the New York Strikers will launch their title defense against the Morrisville Samp Army on November 22. Meanwhile, the Deccan Gladiators, last year’s runners-up, are eager to embark on their quest for redemption, determined to capture the victory that narrowly eluded them. 

The 2024 edition features players from 18 different nations, showcasing the truly global nature of the Abu Dhabi T10. 

Cricketing superstars, including Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, will join the star-studded rosters of all teams, promising an unforgettable season of cricket.

The Abu Dhabi T10 league is the first T10 cricket tournament authorized by the ICC. 

The new season is expected to feature 179 top stars, making it one of the biggest seasons in history. 

By involving the world’s best players, the league has rapidly grown in popularity and today it has an international audience of more than 400 million fans from all over the world. 

Stayed tuned to Ariana Television and Ariana News for all the excitement along with updates, news and schedules.