Afghanistan have confirmed a 15-man squad for their third appearance at the ICC Under-19 World Cup, which begins on 15 January across Zimbabwe and Namibia. Top-order batter Mahboob Khan, 19 this month, continues as captain after guiding the side through successive Asia Cups. His team earned qualification by winning last year’s Asia Qualifier unbeaten.
The selectors have leaned on spin once again. Off-spinner Wahidullah Zadran, 18, already has senior experience with Gulf Giants in the ILT20 and briefly entered December’s IPL auction. He will share the slow-bowling duties with left-armer Zaitullah Shaheen and leg-spinner Hafeez Zadran. Coach Esmat Arif remarked last week, “Our spin group has been together for two full seasons – they know their roles and trust each other.”
Khalid Ahmadzai, a century-maker in first-class cricket, and Uzairullah Niazai headline the batting prospects, while seamer Nooristani Omarzai provides pace on largely spin-friendly surfaces. “If Nooristani can control the new ball, our spinners will have room to attack,” noted former Afghanistan captain Nawroz Mangal during a local radio discussion.
Afghanistan sit in Group D with South Africa, West Indies and Tanzania. The top two progress to the Super Six. Khan kept assessments low-key: “We respect every side, but our preparation has been solid. The aim is simple – play our brand of cricket for 50 overs.”
Squad
Mahboob Khan (capt), Khalid Ahmadzai, Osman Sadat, Faisal Khan, Uzairullah Niazai, Aziz Mia Khil, Nazif Amiri, Khatir Stanikzai, Nooristani Omarzai, Abdul Aziz, Salam Khan, Wahidullah Zadran, Zaitullah Shaheen, Rohullah Arab, Hafeezullah Zadran
Reserves: Aqil Khan, Fahim Qasemi, Izat Noor
Group-stage fixtures (Windhoek)
16 Jan: v South Africa
18 Jan: v West Indies
21 Jan: v Tanzania
With a balanced batting line-up and a trio of varied spinners, Afghanistan will back themselves to reach the knock-outs. Whether they can handle stronger batting units outside Asia could define their campaign, yet recent form suggests they will not be easy to dislodge.
