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

Goodbye! While Afghanistan celebrates a well-deserved victory, the cricketing action rolls on as Bangladesh U19 prepares to lock horns with Zimbabwe U19 this Saturday, January 31st at 7.30 am GMT. We will be back to bring you the toss and all the pre-match build-up, but for now, it’s goodbye from the commentary box!

Faisal Khan is the Player of the Match for his knock of 163 runs!

Shinozada's brilliant century! Earlier in the game, Afghanistan U19 overcame a shaky start to post a dominant 315/7. Despite being restricted to 46/2 in the first Powerplay, Afghanistan rebounded through a steady 75-run stand between Uzairullah Niazai and Faisal Shinozada. The innings was defined by a massive partnership between Shinozada and skipper Mahboob Khan. Shinozada played the role of the aggressor, smashing a career-best 163. While Wilson and Oliver Riley claimed three wickets each for Ireland, Afghanistan's middle-order surge shifted the momentum entirely, leaving Ireland with a steep chase.

The Irish hopes got shattered - The partnership focused on rotating the strike to take the game deep. Just when the batters began to accelerate, Aqil Khan, Afghan's star bowler for the inning, stepped up and broke their 55-run partnership. After that specific event, it was only a matter of time. Wickets tumbled again, and Afghanistan won by a massive 191 runs. Aqil Khan has been sensational with his bowling, and also he got the support from Abdul Aziz and Roohullah Arab.

The outstanding start from the Afghan bowlers - After setting a humongous total on the board, the bowlers of the side didn’t hold back. They started picking up wickets during the first Powerplay, which immediately putting the Irish batters on the back foot. By the 18th over, Ireland found themselves at 53 for 5. However, there was a glimmer of hope when Marko Bates and Reuben Wilson formed a partnership that gave fans something to cheer for. 

Afghanistan qualifies for the semis - The Afghans had already established a positive net run rate, and with the two points earned, they have secured a spot in the semi-finals. Sri Lanka fought hard against the Proteas and managed to cross the line as well, but unfortunately, the matter have come down to net run rate as both Afghanistan and Sri Lanka have same points. So it's Afghanistan that claims the second spot. 

Abdul Aziz to Luke Murray, OUT! That is a simple catch to the fielder.

Abdul Aziz to Luke Murray, 2 runs, that is punched off the back foot for a couple.

Abdul Aziz to Luke Murray, No run, the batter ducks under that one.

Abdul Aziz to Luke Murray, No run, sharp bouncer! The batter ducks.

Nooristani to Thomas Ford, No run, the batter has just blocked that from the crease.

Nooristani to Thomas Ford, No run, the batter has just blocked that from the crease.

Nooristani to Thomas Ford, No run, the batter looks to play that but is comprehensively beaten.

Nooristani to Thomas Ford, No run, sharp bouncer! The batter ducks.

Nooristani to Marko Bates, OUT! That is a simple catch to the fielder.

Nooristani to Marko Bates, No run, that is a cracking pull off the back foot, but for no run.

Abdul Aziz to Luke Murray, No run. Play and a miss! The batter wasn't quite sure how to play that one.

Abdul Aziz to Luke Murray, No run, the cover drive is played but the result is a dot.

Abdul Aziz to Luke Murray, No run, that is a cracking pull off the back foot, but for no run.

Abdul Aziz to Luke Murray, No run, the batter looks to play that but is comprehensively beaten.

Abdul Aziz to Marko Bates, 1 run, that is pulled away through the fine leg region for a single.

Abdul Aziz to Marko Bates, No run, that is defended solidly off the front foot.

Nooristani to Luke Murray, No run, the batter has just blocked that from the crease.

Nooristani to Marko Bates, 1 run, this is driven through the covers for a single.

Nooristani to Marko Bates, 2 runs, that is pulled away through mid wicket for a couple of runs.

Nooristani to Marko Bates, No run, that is a cracking pull off the back foot, but for no run.

Nooristani to Marko Bates, No run, that is punched off the back foot but straight to the fielder.

Nooristani to Marko Bates, 2 runs, the pull shot comes into play. Two runs taken.

Aqil Khan to Luke Murray, No run, the batter has just watchfully blocked this out.

Aqil Khan to Marko Bates, 1 run, this is driven through the covers for a single.

Aqil Khan to Luke Murray, 1 run, the cover drive is played for a run.

Aqil Khan to Luke Murray, No run, the batter has just blocked that from the crease.

Aqil Khan to Marko Bates, 1 run, that is punched off the back foot for a single.

Aqil Khan to Marko Bates, No run, that is driven through the covers, but it is a dot ball.

Nooristani to Luke Murray, No run, the batter has just blocked that from the crease.

Nooristani to Luke Murray, No run, the batter has just blocked that from the crease.

Nooristani to Luke Murray, No run, the cover drive is played but the result is a dot.

Nooristani to Luke Murray, No run, that is punched off the back foot but straight to the fielder.

Nooristani to Luke Murray, No run, a gentle push by the batter but cannot pierce the gap.

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

Aqil Khan to Luke Murray, 1 run, the batter has just blocked that from the crease. Gets a run.

Aqil Khan to Luke Murray, No run, that is driven through the covers, but it is a dot ball.

Aqil Khan to Alex Armstrong, OUT! BOWLED! That has gone through the batter’s defense.

Aqil Khan to Alex Armstrong, No run. Play and a miss! The batter wasn't quite sure how to play that one.

Aqil Khan to Alex Armstrong, No run, that is punched off the back foot but straight to the fielder.

Aqil Khan to Alex Armstrong, No run, that is driven through the mid off, but it is a dot ball.

Rohullah Arab to Marko Bates, No run, that is defended solidly off the front foot.

Rohullah Arab to Marko Bates, No run, the off drive is played but it is stopped.

Rohullah Arab to Marko Bates, No run, that is driven through the covers, but it is a dot ball.

Rohullah Arab to Marko Bates, No run, that is defended solidly off the front foot.