Afghanistan U-19 registered their 4th win in as many matches against Central Districts XI by a close margin of 18 runs at Nelson Park in Napier.
Afghanistan U19s beat the Central District XI Club for the 4th consecutive time as they prepare for the @ICC #U19WorldCup. #FutureStars pic.twitter.com/bNBiY5QOS9
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) January 3, 2018
Ikram Ali Khil (85 off 112) was the top-scorer for Afghanistan after they decided to bat first. Ikram got good support from Rahmanullah Gurbaz (37 off 52) as the pair put up 48 runs for the 2nd wicket.
After Gurbaz fell, Ikram continued the good work in the company of Baheer Mehboob (58 off 75) as the duo added another 102 runs together for the 3rd wicket. Darwish Rasooli (32 off 28) played a good hand down the order and a brief cameo by Tariq Stanikzai (14 n.o off 6) took Afghanistan U-19 to 268/6 in their 50 overs.
FC Bartholomew (2/52) was the pick of the bowlers for Central Districts XI with Ludick, Patel and Watson accounting for 1 wicket each.
Afghanistan bowlers struck early blows as CD XI were down to 77/5 in the 20th over and it took a brilliant 99 runs partnership for the 6th wicket between William Ludick (105 off 102) and Matt Renwick (39 off 57) brought them back into the game.
However, the asking rate was already high with 93 runs to win in the final 10 overs after Renwick departed. Afghan bowlers did not give much away as Ludick perished in the 49th over and Central Districts XI finished with 250/8 in 50 overs to lose the match by 18 runs.
Qais Ahmad (2/41), Yosuf Zazi (2/44), Naveen-ul-Haq (2/61) and Baheer Pakten (1/35) were the wicket-takers for Afghanistan U-19.
