Despite a disciplined bowling effort, Afghanistan’s U-19 side slipped out of contention for the next round, underscoring the fine margins that continue to define youth cricket at the continental level.
UAE | By Niaz Shinwari
Afghanistan’s Under-19 cricket team has been eliminated from the next round of the Asia Cup following a narrow two-wicket defeat to Sri Lanka, a result that mathematically closed the door on qualification regardless of the group’s final fixture.
Defending their target, Afghanistan produced one of their more controlled bowling performances of the tournament, dismissing eight Sri Lankan batters and repeatedly disrupting partnerships. Yet the inability to fully capitalize on early breakthroughs proved decisive, as Sri Lanka reached the target with two wickets in hand.
The loss leaves Afghanistan playing only for placement and experience when they face Nepal in their final group match on Wednesday, a fixture that now carries no bearing on progression.
Afghanistan’s exit reflects a recurring challenge for emerging cricket nations at youth level: competitiveness without consistency. While the team has demonstrated the ability to pressure established sides, converting that pressure into results remains elusive. In a tightly structured Asia Cup format, marginal defeats carry disproportionate consequences, reinforcing how limited room for error can abruptly end tournament ambitions for developing teams.