Bowlers, Ibrahim ensure Afghanistan finish seventh in U19 World Cup

A terrific bowling performance from Shafiqullah Ghafari, Fazal Haq and other bowlers was well complimented by opening pair of Ibrahim Zadran and Sediq Atal to give Afghanistan its second consecutive win against tournament hosts South Africa beating them by 5 wickets at Willomoore Park, Benoni and finish 7^th in the ICC U19 World Cup 2020

Having won the toss, South African captain Bryce Parsons opted to bat first. However, a brilliant display of bowling from Fazal Haq and Shafiqullah Ghafari , who were the stars of the previous between both sides as well, ensured South Africa could not post a big total on board. Mondi Khumalo and Merrick Brett’s partnership of 49 for the eighth wicket was the highest one for South Africa as they were bowled out for 154 in 39.3 overs. Ghafari was yet again the best of the Afghan bowlers finishing with 15/4 in 8.3 overs while Fazal Haq also shined with brilliant figures of 33/3 off his 8 overs.

Shafiqullah Ghafari was at his best again against South Africa taking 4 wickets conceding only 15

In response, Afghanistan U19 chased the target with 9.4 overs to go having lost 5 wickets as Ibrahim Zadran remained unbeaten on 73 scoring his third half-century of the tournament. Opening batsman Sediq Atal, who played his first match of the tournament today, was impressive with a brilliant knock of 40 that included 4 fours and 3 sixes.

Ibrahim Zadran scored his third half-century of this U19 World Cup

Afghanistan U19 finished as the table toppers in league stage topping Group D with wins against South Africa and UAE as their match against Canada was washed out giving each side a point. In the quarter-final, they lost to Pakistan U19 which was their only loss in the tournament which set them up for today’s match against South Africa for the 7^th place play-off.