WINDHOEK, Namibia — Afghanistan confirmed their growing stature in youth cricket with a commanding all-round performance that overwhelmed the West Indies by 138 runs, sealing progression to the Super Six stage of the ICC Under-19 World Cup in emphatic fashion on Sunday.
Facing a confident Afghan side buoyed by an opening-round victory over South Africa, the Caribbean team encountered their sternest test of the group stage, and found themselves comprehensively outplayed.
Solid opening platform sets the tone
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Afghanistan laid a firm foundation through openers Khalid Ahmadzai and Osman Sadat. The pair weathered early movement from Jakeem Pollard and Shaquan Belle, compiling an assured 86-run stand that steadily shifted momentum.
The West Indies briefly clawed their way back when left-arm spinner Vitel Lawes broke the partnership and ignited a short-lived collapse. His intervention reduced Afghanistan to 110 for three in the 26th over and momentarily raised hopes of containment.
Lawes strikes, but Afghan resolve prevails
Lawes, bowling with guile and control, first had Ahmadzai caught by Francis for 34 before spinning one sharply back to bowl Faisal Shinodza for four. He then induced an aerial drive from Uzaiullah Niazai, who was caught brilliantly by a diving Jonathan van Lange for 12.
Yet Afghanistan responded with composure and authority. Captain Mehboob Khan and Sadat extinguished any West Indies resurgence with a decisive 77-run partnership, blending patience with controlled aggression.
Both batters went on to register half-centuries, although Khan survived an early chance when he was put down by wicketkeeper Jewel Andrew. Sadat anchored the innings with a fluent 88, while Khan added stability and intent with 86, guiding Afghanistan to a formidable 262 for six from their 50 overs.
Lawes and Pollard finished as the most successful West Indies bowlers, sharing six wickets between them.
Afghan bowlers strike early, never relent
Afghanistan’s response with the ball was swift and ruthless. Their varied pace-and-spin attack tore through the West Indies top order, leaving the chase in tatters with three wickets down inside the first five overs.
Tanez Francis showed early promise with a crisp drive through extra cover but was dismissed for nine when he swept off-spinner Wahidullah Zadran and was caught in the deep. Zadran struck again soon after, bowling Zacary Carter for three as the opener attempted an ambitious swipe across the line.
The off-spinner then delivered a decisive blow, producing a delivery of exceptional quality to uproot the off stump of captain Joshua Dorne for a duck.
Andrew resists, but collapse continues
Amid the collapse, wicketkeeper-batter Jewel Andrew stood firm, producing a determined half-century in a lone act of resistance. Batting with discipline and intent, Andrew struck four fours and three sixes in a 70-ball 57 that briefly stemmed the slide.
However, support proved elusive as Afghanistan’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure. Nooristani Omarzai led a clinical effort, claiming four wickets, while Zadran and Khatir Stanikzai contributed three apiece.
The West Indies innings folded for 124 in the 32nd over, sealing a comprehensive Afghan triumph.
Paths diverge as tournament intensifies
With the emphatic victory, Afghanistan advanced confidently into the Super Six and will next face Tanzania on Wednesday. The West Indies, meanwhile, face an urgent need to regroup as they prepare for a critical encounter against South Africa on Thursday.
For Afghanistan, the result underscored balance, discipline, and growing belief. For the West Indies, it served as a sobering reminder of the standards required at the sharp end of the tournament.
