U19 World Cup: Afghanistan storm past Tanzania to finish group-stage unbeaten

WINDHOEK: Nooristani Omarzai's five-wicket haul, coupled with Faisal Shinozada's half-century, led Afghanistan to a commanding nine-wicket victory over Tanzania in the 18th match of the ICC Men's U19 World Cup 2026 here at the High Performance Oval on Wednesday.

Tanzania captain Laksh Bakrania's decision to bat first backfired as his team's batting unit folded for a meagre 85 runs in 36 overs.

Middle-order batter Augustino Mwamele remained the top-scorer for the African side with a cautious 14 off 49 deliveries, while Rehaan Ahtif (11) and Bakrania (10) were the other two to amass double figures against a ruthless Afghan bowling attack.

Omarzai spearheaded Afghanistan's bowling charge with sensational bowling figures of 5/9 in seven overs, followed by Uzairullah Niazai with 2/9 in three, while Wahidullah Zadran and Khatir Stanikzai chipped in with one scalp apiece.

For his sensational bowling performance, Omarzai was adjudged the Player of the Match.

Set to chase a modest 86-run target, Afghanistan comfortably struck the winning runs for the loss of just one wicket and 224 balls to spare.

Leading the way for the Asian side was Shinozada, who top-scored with a brisk 55 off 34 deliveries, studded with nine fours and a six. He also shared an unbeaten 62-run partnership for the second wicket with opener Osman Sadat, who made 16 not out from 26 deliveries.

Right-handed opener Khalid Ahmadzai, on the other hand, also made a notable contribution with a 16-ball 14.

Khalidy Juma was the solitary wicket-taker for Tanzania in the match, dismissing Ahmadzai in the fifth over.

The resounding victory meant Afghanistan finished as the toppers of Group D with six points in three matches, while Tanzania bowed out of the U19 World Cup 2026 winless, losing all three of their group-stage games.