Afghanistan U19 Opt to Bat First in Crucial U19 World Cup Clash
The Under-19 World Cup 2026 witnessed an exciting start as Afghanistan U19 won the toss against West Indies U19. Captain Mahboob Khan decided his team would bat first at the High Performance Oval in Windhoek. This decision sets the stage for a competitive match in the tournament.
Playing XIs for Both Teams
West Indies U19 fielded a strong lineup for this encounter. Their playing XI includes Tanez Francis, Zachary Carter, and wicketkeeper Jewel Andrew. Joshua Dorne leads the team as captain, supported by bowlers like Jakeem Pollard and Shaquan Belle.
Afghanistan U19 features captain and wicketkeeper Mahboob Khan. Their batting order starts with openers Khalid Ahmadzai and Osman Sadat. The team boasts all-rounders like Azizullah Miakhil and Khatir Stanikzai to strengthen their middle order.
Early Innings: Afghanistan's Steady Start
Afghanistan's openers began cautiously against the West Indian bowling attack. After seven overs, they reached 25 runs without losing any wickets. Osman Sadat looked particularly solid, scoring 20 runs from 28 deliveries. Khalid Ahmadzai provided steady support at the other end.
West Indies bowlers maintained tight lines during the initial overs. Jakeem Pollard delivered an economical spell, conceding just 8 runs from his 4 overs. Shaquan Belle also kept pressure on the batsmen with disciplined bowling.
Key Moments from the First Seven Overs
The match saw several interesting developments in the early stages:
- Afghanistan openers survived some testing deliveries from Pollard and Belle
- Osman Sadat struck two boundaries, including a well-timed pull shot
- West Indies fielders remained alert, preventing easy singles
- The pitch appeared to offer some assistance to both batsmen and bowlers
As the innings progressed, Afghanistan aimed to build a solid foundation. Their strategy focused on preserving wickets while accumulating runs steadily. West Indies bowlers continued searching for the breakthrough that could change the game's momentum.
This U19 World Cup match promises exciting cricket as both teams showcase emerging talent. The Windhoek venue provides excellent conditions for competitive cricket, with teams adapting to local conditions. Fans can expect more action as Afghanistan looks to post a challenging total.
