Shafiqullah Ghafari (6/15) spun South Africa out for a dismal 129, to setup a comprehensive 7-wicket win for Afghanistan in the U19 World Cup.

The batsmen could not read him at all and had absolutely no answers. He picked up figures of 6/15 in 9.1 overs including 2 maidens before Imran Mir and Ibrahim Zadran’s half centuries guided Afghanistan to a comprehensive 7 wicket victory.

Surely not the start the host nation was looking for. After months of preparation and hard work leading up to the U19 World Cup. It all came down to this. The Junior Proteas have had abit of a wayward 2019, and will be looking to rectify the wrongs very quickly to stand a chance in this tournament.

Fazal Haque was exceptional upfront picking up early wickets including the big one of Jonathan Bird for a 2 ball duck. He then made a mess of Andrew Louw’s stumps with a beaut of a yorker. Leaving the hosts reeling on 7/2.

Bryce Parsons (40) and Luke Beaufort (25) rescued the side in a 55-run partnership, consolidated well and then took on the bowlers to get to 62/2.

It all fell apart after that, Noor Ahmed (2/44) started the havoc and then Shafiqullah Ghafari continued and wrapped it up. Some resistance from Gerald Coetzee’s willow, some glorious shots, including 4 fours and 3 sixes. He was the second highest run scorer with 38.

Defending a mere 130, the bowling was all over the place and defensive field placements left a lot to be desired. Achille Cloete (2/20) got some respite opening the bowling and picked up the wicket of Farhan Zakhil caught behind for 11.

But a brilliantly controlled and composed 80-run partnership between Ibrahim Zadran (57) and Imran Mir (57) lead the chase for Afghanistan before Tiaan van Vuuren got rewarded and the latter was caught behind.

The batting woes continue for the Junior Proteas. They take on Canada on Wednesday, 22 January and will need to come back strong.

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