Afghanistan U19 vs UAE U19 – Ahmadzai’s 132 Powers 180-Run Victory in ICC U19 Asia Qualifier

Afghanistan U19 Humble UAE U19 by 180 Runs, Stay Unbeaten in ICC U19 Asia Qualifier

In an emphatic display of dominance and youthful flair, Afghanistan U19 secured their third consecutive win in the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025. The team steamrolled the UAE U19 by a staggering 180 runs via the DLS method at the Upper Mulpani International Ground in Kathmandu. With this win, they have firmly positioned themselves as front-runners in the qualification race for the 2026 ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup.

Ahmadzai’s Heroics Set the Tone

The foundation for this massive win was laid early, courtesy of a majestic knock by opener Khalid Ahmadzai, whose innings of 132 runs off 124 balls was both patient and punishing. Displaying remarkable control, he combined finesse with clean power-hitting to dominate the UAE bowling attack. His innings included a delightful array of 19 boundaries, finding gaps with surgical precision.

Ahmadzai’s ton is easily one of the standout performances of the qualifiers so far, and it couldn’t have come at a better time for Afghanistan U19. He was not only anchoring the innings but set the stage for the late fireworks that followed.

Finishing Touches from Ibrahimzai and Mahboob

The middle and lower-middle order provided the late surge that elevated the Afghan total from strong to spectacular. Barkat Ibrahimzai, coming in during the death overs, unleashed a whirlwind knock of 62 not out from just 22 balls, smashing 5 sixes and 5 boundaries at a strike rate close to 300.

Backing him up was Mahboob Khan, the skipper, who also remained unbeaten on 59 from 37 deliveries. Their unbroken partnership in the last ten overs turned the match into a one-sided affair before the second innings even began.

Together, this trio helped Afghanistan U19 pile up a massive 359/4 in 50 overs, a score that few U19 teams in subcontinental conditions would feel confident chasing.

UAE’s Misery with the Bat

Chasing a DLS-adjusted target of 349 in 47 overs, the UAE U19 innings never really got going. Early wickets fell in clusters, and the scoreboard pressure was always looming large. Rayan Khan offered some resistance with a gritty 64 off 99 deliveries, holding one end even as wickets continued to tumble at the other.

Madhav Manoj, the wicketkeeper-batter, also put up a fight with his unbeaten 28, but it was never going to be enough. The disciplined Afghan bowling attack kept the run rate in check and never allowed partnerships to develop.

The UAE eventually crawled to 168/7 in 47 overs, falling short by 180 runs, and marking a second heavy defeat in the campaign.

Afghanistan U19 Continue Their Unbeaten Streak

With this win, Afghanistan now has three victories from three matches, having previously dispatched Oman U19 and Hong Kong U19 with similar command. Their net run rate is soaring, and confidence is sky-high heading into what’s essentially the group decider against hosts Nepal U19.

That final group-stage fixture, scheduled for April 19, will be more than just another game it will likely determine the team that qualifies directly for the 2026 ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup.

Pitching It Perfect: Afghanistan’s Strategy in Kathmandu

Afghanistan U19’s use of the conditions in Kathmandu has been textbook. The Upper Mulpani wicket has offered slow turn and reward for patient batters and disciplined bowling. Unlike some other teams who have faltered under scoreboard pressure, the Afghan unit has stayed composed often building totals methodically before cutting loose in the final overs.

Coach Raees Ahmadzai, speaking post-match, noted that the side has focused on adaptability and game awareness. "Khalid's innings gave us the freedom to express ourselves later, and our bowlers knew exactly what to do once we had that score behind us," he said.

Where Do UAE Go From Here?

For the UAE U19 side, the loss will sting but it will also serve as a learning curve. While they showed promise with individual performances, including Rayan Khan’s resilience and Madhav’s calm under pressure, they lacked the firepower needed to challenge a side as dynamic as Afghanistan.

They'll need to regroup quickly and focus on developing partnerships at the top and middle order if they want to finish the qualifiers on a positive note.