AFG U-19 vs IND U-19 | Afghanistan win last rubber but lose series 3-2
Afghanistan’s U-19 team produced a thrilling two-wicket victory over fancied hosts India in a low-scoring fifth Youth One-Day International in Lucknow on Saturday. Despite the efforts led by a disciplined and collective bowling unit, the five-match series has ended 3-2 in favour of the hosts.
Winning the toss and batting first in the dead rubber match, India never really got going at any point in the innings. Despite most batsmen getting starts — only four of them not registering double-digit scores — none of them converted them into big scores as India was bowled out for 157 in 49.3 overs at the Ekana Cricket Stadium B ground.
Vikrant Bhadoriya top-scored with 29, while Kumar Kushagra, who scored 24, also made a decent contribution for the home team. All of the Afghan bowlers were in the wickets column, with Noor Ahmad the most successful for the visitors, picking up three for 39. There were two wickets apiece for Abid Mohammadi and Shafiqullah Ghafari.
Afghanistan got off to a horrible reply, losing both their openers with less than 10 runs on the board. But No.3 batsman Imran and Asif Musazai, who top-scored with a patient 42 off 77 balls, steadied the ship with a 49-run partnership. More cameos from the down the order followed as they managed to reach their target of 158 in 47.3 overs with two wickets to spare. For India, Manav Suthar picked up three for 32 from his 7.2 overs.
With the end of the five-match series, the India U19’s have completed their final assignment ahead of the ICC U-19 World Cup in January. The squad for the same expected to be announced on Sunday.