Afghanistan U-19 Stun India ‘B’ with Dominant 71-Run Victory, Aziz’s Hat-Trick the Highlight

In a compelling start to a competitive triangular series, the Afghanistan Under-19 national cricket team secured a resounding 71-run victory over India’s Under-19 ‘B’ side in their opening One-Day match on Tuesday.

The series, hosted in India, is designed to provide high-quality game time for emerging talent, featuring the touring Afghanistan U-19 squad against two distinct Indian teams—an ‘A’ and a ‘B’ side—to deepen the host nation’s talent pool.

A Low-Scoring Thriller Unfolds

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, the Afghan side found themselves in early trouble against a disciplined Indian bowling attack. The batsmen struggled to build substantial partnerships, and the team was eventually bowled out for a modest 168 runs. While the total seemed below par, it laid the foundation for a dramatic collapse from the Indian batters.

In response, the Indian U-19 ‘B’ team’s chase never gained momentum. The Afghan bowlers, electrified by their defence of a low total, applied relentless pressure. The Indian innings crumbled spectacularly, with the team being skittled out for a meagre 97 runs, falling well short of the target.

Abdul Aziz’s Magical Spell Seals the Win

The defining performance of the match came from Afghanistan’s Abdul Aziz, who produced a spectacular bowling display. His fiery spell dismantled the Indian middle and lower order, culminating in a sensational hat-trick—a rare and celebrated feat in any form of cricket. Aziz finished with remarkable figures of six wickets, single-handedly derailing the Indian chase and turning the game decisively in Afghanistan’s favour. His spell will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the standout individual performances of the series.

A Statement of Intent

This victory serves as a significant confidence booster for the young Afghan team, demonstrating their ability to defend a low total through aggressive and clinical bowling. For India, the match highlights the intense competition within their own junior ranks and the value of such exposure games in testing players under pressure.

The triangular series continues with the next fixture scheduled between India U-19 ‘A’ and India U-19 ‘B’, as the Afghanistan team watches on, having already laid down a formidable marker.

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