In dramatic fashion, Afghanistan’s Under 19 cricket team, who are often considered minnows in cricket, has produced an upset at the big stage (Quarter Final) in the ongoing Under 19 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand. The in-form New Zealand team were beaten heavily by a margin of 202 runs in the Super League Quarter Final match by Afghanistan in Christchurch.
Azmatullah of Afghanistan was presented with the ‘Player of the Match’ award for his quickfire knock at the end of the innings – 66 runs off just 23 deliveries which included 3 Fours and 7 Sixes.
Afghanistan were 226/5 in the 45th Over when Azmatullah walked out to the crease to bat and he inspired them to get to 309/6 in 50 Overs with his whirlwind knock!
Afghanistan’s Quarter Final history: They have played just once in the Quarter Finals in this tournament before the ongoing season, which they had lost by a margin of 9 wickets against South Africa in 2014, in Sharjah.
Afghanistan lost their last match in the group stage to Ireland by 4 runs and had wins in the first two games played against Pakistan (by 5 wickets) and Sri Lanka (by 32 runs).
The home team New Zealand will play South Africa on Saturday (January 27) for the fifth place in the tournament which is to be played at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch.
