In a breathtaking display of talent at the Harare Sports Club, Afghan batsman Faisal Shinwazai etched his name into the annals of Under-19 World Cup history. Facing Ireland in a crucial Super Sixes clash on Friday, the young prodigy unleashed a masterful 163-run knock off just 142 deliveries, featuring 18 boundaries and a towering six.
This monumental innings not only propelled Afghanistan to a formidable 315 for 7 but also saw Shinwazai surpass all previous Afghan records in the tournament’s ODI format. The previous benchmark stood at 156 by Karim Janat against Fiji in 2016, a score that included 12 fours and 6 sixes over 132 balls. Shinwazai’s aggressive strokeplay redefined what’s possible for Afghan U19 batters on the global stage.
The match began shakily for Afghanistan, who lost openers Usman Sadat (14) and Khalid Ahmadzai (1) with the score at a precarious 27 for 2. Shinwazai then forged a vital 75-run stand for the third wicket with Uzaireullah Niyazi (26), steadying the ship and guiding the team past the 100-mark.
Post Niyazi’s departure, Shinwazai linked up with captain Mahboob Khan for a match-defining 188-run partnership off 157 balls, rocketing the score to 290. Shinwazai fell for 163, but Khan took charge, smashing an unbeaten 89 off 79 balls with 5 fours and 2 sixes to push the total beyond 300.
Ireland’s bowlers struggled, with Ruben Wilson and Oliver Riley claiming 3 wickets apiece, and Thomas Ford snaring one. Globally, Sri Lanka’s Viran Chamuditha holds the record with 192 against Japan, while Hasitha Boyagoda and Ben Angus Mays share second place at 191.
Shinwazai’s heroics have ignited hopes for Afghanistan, showcasing the depth of talent emerging from the war-torn nation. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on this record-breaking sensation.