Afghanistan U19 vs South Africa U19 Live Cricket Score, ICC U19 World Cup 2026: Afghanistan and South Africa enter the 2026 ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup aiming to make a strong impact after contrasting recent campaigns.
Afghanistan, two-time semi-finalists, are looking to recover from a disappointing 2024 tournament in South Africa, where three group-stage defeats led to an early exit. Despite recent struggles, including a group-stage exit at the U19 Asia Cup, their history at the tournament remains strong, having reached the knockouts four times since debuting in 2010. Individual talent has shown through, with Uzairullah Niazai and Faisal Khan impressing, the latter scoring a century against Bangladesh. Wicketkeeper Mahboob Khan captains a completely new squad, with Nooristani Omarzai and Zaitullah Shaheen leading the bowling attack.
South Africa, meanwhile, are determined to go one step further after narrowly missing a home final in 2024. Led by all-rounder Muhammad Bulbulia, who guided the side to the Tri-Nations final last year, they retain much of that squad. Jorich van Schalkwyk and Adnaan Lagadien anchor the batting, while Bandile Mbatha, Ntandoyenkosi Soni and Bayanda Majola head the bowling as South Africa chase a first U19 title in over a decade.
Playing XIs
South Africa U19: Jorich Van Schalkwyk, Adnaan Lagadien, Muhammed Bulbulia(c), Jason Rowles, Armaan Manack, Paul James, Daniel Bosman, Lethabo Phahlamohlaka(w), Corne Botha, JJ Basson, Buyanda Majola
Afghanistan U19: Osman Sadat, Khalid Ahmadzai, Faisal Shinozada, Uzairullah Niazai, Mahboob Khan(w/c), Azizullah Miakhil, Khatir Stanikzai, Nooristani Omarzai, Abdul Aziz, Wahidullah Zadran, Hafeez ZadranNooristani Omarzai, Abdul Aziz, Wahidullah Zadran, Hafeez Zadran
