Tariq hits century: Afghanistan emerge plate champions in ICC U-19 CWC

Tariq Stanikzai’s unbeaten century helped ICC associate nation Afghanistan emerge plate champions in the 11th ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup upsetting Test playing nation Zimbabwe by 5-wicket at Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium in Cox’s Bazar on Friday.
Chasing a moderate target of 217 runs in the plate final, Afghanistan reached their winning destination scoring 218 for 5 in 46.5 overs with Tariq’s unbeaten century of 106 runs.
On the way to his century, Tariq featured 10 boundaries and two sixes off 142 balls.
Tariq who was adjudged man of the match, paired with Rashid Khan in the 6th wicket for unbeaten score of 95 runs in 16.1 overs. Starting from 123/5 in 30.4 overs, the 6th pair carried the team total to the ultimate score.
Rashid managed unbeaten half century with 55 off 50 balls including five boundaries and two sixes.
Perwez Malakzai, Ikram Faizi and skipper Ihsanullah added 13, 12 and 10 runs respectively.
Jeremy Ives took two wickets for 36 runs while Kundai Matigimu, Brandon Mavuta and Rugare Magarira took one wicket each for Zimbabwe.
Batting first after winning the toss, Zimbabwe scored 216 runs for 9 in 50 overs spurred by the two half centuries by William Mashinge and Ryan Murray.
Mashinge scored 66 off 92 balls with five boundaries and was caught by Shamsurrahman off Muslim Musa delivery leaving team total at 210/9 in 48.3 overs.
Murray stayed for 53 off 49 balls including nine boundaries and one six before being caught by Shamsurrahman off Rashid Khan’s release at 85/5 in 18.1 overs.
Adam Keefe was another notable scorer for Zimbabwe adding 38 off 66 balls with four boundaries and one six.
Zia-ur-Rehman and Muslim Musa enjoyed three wickets each for 33 and 38 runs in 10 and 5 overs. Tariq, Karim Janat and Rashid Khan took one wicket each for Afghanistan.