Afghanistan vs Ireland Live Score, U19 World Cup 2026: Afghanistan opt to bat vs Ireland

Abdul Aziz to James West, No run, this is down the off side and let through.

Abdul Aziz to James West, No run, the batter has just blocked that from the crease.

Abdul Aziz to James West, 2 runs, the batter goes back in the crease and flicks it away through square leg for a couple.

Abdul Aziz to James West, No run, that is left alone for the keeper to collect.

Abdul Aziz to James West, No run, the batter has just blocked that from the crease.

Welcome back for Ireland's response with the bat. The Afghan players spread across the field and take their respective positions. Freddie Ogilby and James West are the two Irish openers who walk to the crease. Abdul Aziz has the new ball and is raring to go. West to take the strike. Here we go!

... THE RUN CHASE ...

A massive task ahead for Ireland - So 316 is the chase for Ireland to pull off a massive upset, and end their journey on a positive. For Afghanistan, a win here will secure their spot in the semis. Which also means that an Afghan win will knock Sri Lanka out of the tournament. And Ireland's win will keep the Islanders afloat and help them advance to the next stage. But, given the way Afghanistan's bowling has performed in unison, unlike their opponents, they would want to get the job done clinically this time around as well. An interesting run chase ahead coming up. Stay tuned. 

Afghanistan overwhelms Ireland. Exploits bowling gaps - After a modest 46 for 2 in the Powerplay, Afghanistan tore through the 11-40 over phase, adding 163 for the loss of just one wicket and completely taking the wind out of Ireland’s sails. Ireland’s bowling woes were exposed once again, with the attack overly reliant on Olly Riley and Reuben Wilson. After a bright start from the duo, the rest of the bowlers couldn’t make any impact, allowing Afghanistan to dominate. The breakthrough came only after a historic 188-run partnership, but by then, the damage was done. Faisal Shinozada fell for 163, thanks to Riley who dismissed him, while Wilson also picked up a couple of wickets in his final spell to reduce Afghanistan from 290/2 to 297/6. However, with Mahboob Khan fighting till the end, his 89 off 79 helped Afghanistan cross 300.

Afghan revival through Faisal Shinozada - After being 27/2 and losing both their openers, including the in-form Osman Sadat, Afghanistan were pushed under tremendous pressure to rebuild and resurrect their innings. And that call was answered sincerely by one of the batting spearheads, Faisal Shinozada who formed crucial alliances first with Uzairullah Niazai and then a marathon partnership with skipper Mahboob Khan. Through these alliances, and Faisal’s sensational century, Afghanistan bossed up that middle phase and made Ireland crave for wickets which never really materialized for them.

Afghanistan inspire in Harare - A sensational batting display from Afghanistan. This is their first 300-plus total this season and an inspiring effort that will be remembered and mentioned for a long, long time. Ireland have been left shellshocked as they just couldn't take wickets at regular intervals to stop this Afghan juggernaut and conceded 106 runs in the last ten overs. 

Olly Riley to Nooristani, 2 runs, the on drive comes out now. The batter gets a couple of runs.

Olly Riley to Nooristani, No run, beaten! Lovely bowling as the batter is defeated all ends up.

Olly Riley to Nooristani, Four! That is pulled through the on side. The ball races to the fence in no time.

Olly Riley to Mahboob Khan, OUT! That is a simple catch to the fielder.

Olly Riley to Mahboob Khan, Six! That is pulled powerfully into the stands.

Olly Riley to Mahboob Khan, 2 runs, the batter comes forward and punches it through mid off for a couple of runs.

Reuben Wilson to Rohullah Arab, No run. Play and a miss! The batter wasn't quite sure how to play that one.

Reuben Wilson to Rohullah Arab, 2 runs, this one has been flicked off the back foot for two runs.

Reuben Wilson to Mahboob Khan, 1 run, the pull shot comes into play. One run taken.

Reuben Wilson to Rohullah Arab, 1 run, the cover drive is played for a run.

Reuben Wilson to Abdul Aziz, OUT! The batter misses the ball and is hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for LBW and it is given.

Reuben Wilson to Aziz Mia Khil, OUT! That is a good running catch. Such catches are never easy to judge and take.

Olly Riley to Mahboob Khan, Four! This is lofted in the air and over the fielder at mid off. Bounces into the fence.

Olly Riley to Mahboob Khan, 2 runs, the batter goes back in the crease and flicks it away through mid wicket for a couple.

Olly Riley to Aziz Mia Khil, 1 run, the pull shot comes into play. One run taken.

Olly Riley to Faisal Khan, OUT! That is a good running catch. Such catches are never easy to judge and take.

Olly Riley to Mahboob Khan, 1 run, that is punched off the back foot for a single.

Olly Riley to Faisal Khan, 1 run, the batter sweeps this away for a single.

Reuben Wilson to Mahboob Khan, 2 runs, that is pulled away through mid wicket for a couple of runs.

Reuben Wilson to Mahboob Khan, Four! Nicely done. Going back in the crease, waiting for the ball to arrive and then flicking it away.

Reuben Wilson to Faisal Khan, 1 run, this is worked away for a run.

Reuben Wilson to Mahboob Khan, 1 run, that is flicked off the back foot for a run.

Reuben Wilson to Mahboob Khan, Six! That is a lovely shot. The batter has just lofted this with fine timing and cleared the ropes too.

Reuben Wilson to Mahboob Khan, 2 runs, the cover drive is played for a couple of runs.

Olly Riley to Faisal Khan, Four! This is lofted in the air and over the fielder at covers. Bounces into the fence.

Olly Riley to Mahboob Khan, 1 run, that is pulled away through the mid wicket region for a single.

Olly Riley to Faisal Khan, 1 run, the batter lofts this in the air and gets a run for the team.

Olly Riley to Faisal Khan, No run, the batter lets the ball go outside off stump.

Olly Riley to Faisal Khan, Four! The batter lofts this over the infield and collects a boundary.

Olly Riley to Mahboob Khan, 1 run, that is cut away through point for a single.

Reuben Wilson to Faisal Khan, No run, played scoop towards covers.

Reuben Wilson to Faisal Khan, Four! You cannot keep a fielder for that. The batter has scooped this over the fine leg fielder.

Reuben Wilson to Mahboob Khan, 1 run, that is just a mere push for a run.

Reuben Wilson to Mahboob Khan, 2 runs, this one has been flicked off the back foot for two runs.

Reuben Wilson to Faisal Khan, 1 run, the batter goes back in the crease and flicks it away through square leg for a single.

Reuben Wilson to Faisal Khan, Four! The pull shot comes out and it fetches the batter a boundary.

Adam Leckey to Mahboob Khan, 2 runs, the cover drive is played for a couple of runs.

Adam Leckey to Mahboob Khan, Four! The batter drives this through the covers and the ball races away to the fence.

Adam Leckey to Faisal Khan, 1 run, the slog is played by the batter. Results in a run.