U19 World Cup: Afghanistan beat Pakistan in opener

Rasooli’s unbeaten 76 guide team to five-wicket victory

Pakistan faced a five-wicket defeat at the hand of Afghanistan in the ongoing U19 World Cup at Whangarei on Thursday, courtesy an unbeaten 76-run innings from Darwish Rasooli.

Pakistan, after opting to bat first, were able to manage only 188 runs in 47.4 overs after Rohail Nazir scored 81 off 105 balls with Ali Zaryab the second-best scorer with 30 off 58 balls.

Mohammad Taha and captain Hasan Khan added 17 and 13 respectively to the total, while six Pakistani batsmen couldn’t enter double figures.

For Afghanistan, Azmatullah Omarzai and Qais Ahmed bagged three wickets apiece. Meanwhile, Naveenul Haq accounted for two batsmen, and Zahir Khan and Nisar Wahadat contributed with one scalp each.

In their reply, Afghanistan lost their first three wickets with 50 on the board, but then walked in Rasooli as he led the team towards a landmark victory.

While guiding his team past the finishing tape, Rasooli hit four boundaries and two sixes.

His partner in crime for the fourth wicket was Ikram Ali Khil who scored a steady 43 off 93 balls with four boundaries to his name.

Apart from the two, opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz also added 31 important runs to the team total.

For Pakistan, captain Hasan bagged two wickets in his 10 overs, while Mohammad Taha and Shaheen Afridi accounted for one batsman each.

"It felt like it was a home game in Kabul," said Afghanistan captain Naveenul Haq on the victory. "It was amazing to see them come here and back us throughout the match. We didn't expect this kind of support. We knew they will run out onto the field. It was an amazing moment."

Meanwhile, Afghanistan's manager Naveed Sayyem explained the scenes before and after the match, and how cricket is one of the most revered sports in the country.

"There was no telecast, people were following it online," said Sayyem. "Our board chairman, CEO and the Prime Minister were all watching this game. When we left the ground in the morning, they left us messages. They didn't sleep all night. Now when the players spoke to their families back home, all of them were very happy. Nothing brings us together like cricket. It feels like Eid has come early. I'm sure they will all celebrate the full day."