KUALA LUMPUR: Afghanistan on Friday recorded a historic cricket victory when they overwhelmed Nepal by seven wickets in the semi-final of the ACC U-19 Asia Cup.

Afghanistan will play Pakistan — who edged past Bangladesh in the other semi-final on Thursday — in the final of the continental event on Sunday.

After electing to bowl first here at the Kinrara Academy Oval, Afghanistan dismissed Nepal for a paltry 103 in 28 overs. Mujeeb Zadran, the 16-year-old off-spinner, proved to be the tormentor for the Nepalese as he grabbed six wickets for 28 runs off his full quota of 10 overs. He was later adjudged player-of-the-match.

Leg-spinner Qais Ahmed claimed 2-23 off six overs.

Batting at No.3, only Anil Sah could get into double figures as he struck a 57-ball 50 featuring seven fours and a six. He was the seventh man out, bowled by Mujeeb, at the total of 85 as Nepal kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Extras included 14 runs.

In reply, Afghanistan colts comfortably achieved the target while losing three wickets.

Opener Rahman Gul made a 65-ball 71 studded with nine fours and two sixes as Afghanistan cruised to victory in 20.3 overs.

On Thursday, Pakistan in the first semi-final defeated Bangladesh by two runs on Duckworth/Lewis method.

After being put into bat, Bangladesh posted a fighting 274-6 off their 50 overs with opener Pinak Ghosh making a 93-ball 82 with the help of eight fours and a six. Captain Saif Hassan (61) and Afif Hossain (52 not out) were the other notable contributors. Pakistan’s Munir Riaz picked up 3-53 off eight overs.

In response, Pakistan had reached 199 for five in 39 overs — with Saad Khan (35) and captain Hasan Khan (1) at the crease — when rain arrived forcing umpires to stop play. At this juncture, Pakistan were ahead of Bangladesh by two runs, according to D/L method.

After 35 minutes, due to weather interruption, the umpires called off the match and Pakistan were declared winners.

The 17-year-old Mohammad Taha, batting at No.4, remained Pakistan’s top-scorer as he smashed 92 off 97 balls hitting eight fours and three sixes during his magnificent knock. He was well supported by wicket-keeper/batsman Rohail Nazir (26) and Saad.

Bangladesh’s left-arm medium-pacer Qazi Onik Islam claimed two wickets for 35 runs off six overs.

Published in Dawn, November 18th, 2017