In one of the most comprehensive wins ever by an associate representative side over a full member representative side, Afghanistan Under-19s have beaten Pakistan Under-19s by 10 wickets in a rain-shortened first match of a three match series in Lahore today.
Rain reduced the match to a 33 over contest, and Pakistan were put into bat after they lost the toss. They started reasonably well with Zeeshan Malik and Sajawal Riaz putting on 40 for the first wicket in 8.2 overs. Both were removed in quick succession, but Pakistan moved on to 76-2 in the 20th over.
At that point though, Afghanistan tore through their middle order, quickly reducing them to 84-6 by the 24th over. Pakistan never really recovered from that and were bowled out for 131. Zia-ur-Rehman, who went wicketless at the Under-19 World Cup earlier this year, was the pick of the bowlers with 3-20.
Further rain then reduced the Afghanistan innings to 22 overs, with Duckworth/Lewis setting their target at 102. They wasted no time in chasing it down, with Shahidullah and Hazratullah Zazai ensuring they won by 10 wickets in just 15.4 overs. Zazai was the top scorer, making 66 from 44 balls.
The teams will meet again in the second match of the series tomorrow, at the same venue.
Pakistan Under-19s lost to Afghanistan Under-19s by 10 wickets (D/L)
Gadaffi Stadium, Lahore, 28 October
Pakistan Under-19s 131 (32.2 overs, Zia-ur-Rehman 3-20)
Afghanistan Under-19s 104 (15.4 overs, Hazratullah Zazai 66*)