By Zim Sport Live Writer
Zimbabwe Under-19s produced a composed all-round performance to defeat Afghanistan Under-19s by 19 runs in Match 4 of the Zimbabwe Under-19 ODI Tri-Series at Sunrise Sports Club, successfully defending a modest total of 185.
After opting to bat first, the hosts made a cautious start, losing two early wickets and managing just 23 runs inside the opening Powerplay.
Progress remained steady rather than fluent, but Dhruv Patel played a vital anchoring role to stabilise the innings.
Zimbabwe reached 50 in the 17th over and brought up 100 shortly before the halfway mark despite losing wickets at regular intervals.
Momentum shifted during the middle overs through a crucial 50-run partnership between Patel and Brandon Ndiweni, which helped rebuild the innings.
Patel went on to register a composed half-century, scoring 50 from 64 deliveries with five fours and a six, pushing Zimbabwe past 150 in the 40th over.
Afghanistan responded strongly at the death, however, claiming four wickets in the final Powerplay to bowl Zimbabwe out for 185 in 47.3 overs.
In reply, Afghanistan Under-19s made a positive start, racing to 50 inside nine overs with opener Osman Sadat leading the charge.
A steady 50-run stand between Sadat and Faisal Khan Shinozada kept the chase on track, as Afghanistan reached 100 in the 22nd over and later moved beyond 150 with time still in hand.
The turning point came in the final third of the innings, where Zimbabwe’s bowlers struck at crucial moments. Regular wickets disrupted Afghanistan’s rhythm, pushing up the required run rate and applying sustained pressure.
Despite Sadat’s fluent contribution at the top, Afghanistan lost their remaining wickets in quick succession and were bowled out for 166 in 40.5 overs.
Zimbabwe Under-19s held their nerve in the closing stages to secure a hard-fought 19-run victory.
Match Summary
Zimbabwe Under-19s vs Afghanistan Under-19s, Match 4
Zimbabwe Under-19s 185 all out (47.3 overs)
Afghanistan Under-19s 166 all out (40.5 overs)
Zimbabwe Under-19s won by 19 runs