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

Olly Riley to Osman Sadat, No run, the batter shoulders arms to let that one through.

Olly Riley to Osman Sadat, No run, the batter comes forward and plays the off drive but it is a dot ball.

Olly Riley to Faisal Khan, 1 run, this time the batter goes back and punches it from the crease for a run.

Olly Riley to Faisal Khan, No run, just a mere push. But no space for a run.

Olly Riley to Osman Sadat, 1 run, that is defended off the front foot for a single.

Olly Riley to Osman Sadat, No run, a gentle push by the batter but cannot pierce the gap.

Reuben Wilson to Khalid Ahmadzai, OUT! Dragged on! The batter has played that onto the stumps.

Reuben Wilson to Khalid Ahmadzai, No run, punched with sweet timing but not finding the gap.

Reuben Wilson to Osman Sadat, 1 run, that is pushed away for a single.

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

Reuben Wilson to Osman Sadat, 1 run, that is pushed away for a single.

Reuben Wilson to Osman Sadat, No run, that is punched off the back foot, but not in the gap.

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

Olly Riley to Osman Sadat, Four! The batter drives this through the covers and the ball races away to the fence.

Olly Riley to Osman Sadat, Four! No need to run for that. The batter stays in the crease and punches it through point. Finds the fence.

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

Olly Riley to Osman Sadat, No run, just a mere push. But no space for a run.

Olly Riley to Osman Sadat, No run, that is punched off the back foot but straight to the fielder.

Reuben Wilson to Khalid Ahmadzai, No run, this is down the off side and let through.

Reuben Wilson to Khalid Ahmadzai, No run, the batter has just watchfully blocked this out.

Reuben Wilson to Osman Sadat, 1 run, that is pushed away for a single.

Reuben Wilson to Osman Sadat, No run, the batter has just watchfully blocked this out.

Reuben Wilson to Osman Sadat, No run, the batter has just blocked that from the crease.

Reuben Wilson to Osman Sadat, No run, that is punched off the back foot but straight to the fielder.

Done with all the pre-match rituals and it is time for action. The Irish players spread out to their respective fielding positions. Osman Sadat and Khalid Ahmadzai are the two Afghan openers. Reuben Wilson will bowl the first over. Here we go!

Just a few moments away from the game to get underway in Harare. But before that both teams are getting lined up for their national anthems. It will be Ireland's first, followed by that of Afghanistan's.

PITCH REPORT - Melinda Ferrell and HD Ackerman report that there was a touch of morning cloud lingering over Harare. HD says that the match is being played on a brand-new surface, and pitch number four is being used. Says that it is expected to improve as the game progresses. Adds that a few cracks are visible and may widen as the match goes on, the pitch still appears to be a batting paradise.

The captain of Ireland - Olly Riley says that they are happy to bowl first and adds that they will take the positives from the tournament, as they have played good cricket in patches. Mentions that everyone has chipped in and on being asked about who has been the standout for them, Riley thinks about it and credits Luke Murray has been the standout bowler for them this tournament. Informs that they have one change with Alex Armstrong coming in for Bruce Whaley.

The captain of Afghanistan - Mahboob Khan says that the wicket looks pretty good for batting. Mentions that this match is very important for them. Adds that they will try hard to win this and move to the semifinals. Mentions that they have a balanced side and are going with one change, with Aqil Khan coming in for Khatir Stanikzai.

Ireland Under-19 (Playing XI) - James West, Freddie Ogilby (WK), Adam Leckey, Robert O’Brien, Sebastian Dijkstra, Marko Bates, Olly Riley (C), Reuben Wilson, Alex Armstrong (In for Bruce Whaley), Thomas Ford, and Luke Murray.

Afghanistan Under-19 (Playing XI) - Khalid Ahmadzai, Osman Sadat, Faisal Khan, Uzairullah Niazai, Mahboob Khan (C/WK), Aziz Mia Khil, Nooristani, Abdul Aziz, Rohullah Arab, Wahid Zadran, and Aqil Khan (In for Khatir Stanikzai).

TOSS - The flip of the coin lands in favor of Afghanistan and they have opted to BAT first.