Afghanistan U19 Defeat South Africa U19 in ICC U19 World Cup 2026 Opener

Afghanistan Under-19 secured a 28-run victory over South Africa Under-19 in their opening match of the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 at Windhoek. Afghanistan posted 266 for 8, with key contributions from Khalid Ahmadzai (74), Faisal Shinozada (81), and Uzairullah Niazai (51*). South Africa, led by Jason Rowles' 98, were bowled out for 238. Both teams enter the tournament with contrasting recent performances, with Afghanistan aiming to improve after early exits in 2024 and South Africa seeking their first U19 title in over a decade.