Dominance defined Afghanistan’s path to the Under-19 World Cup 2026 semi-finals after a 191-run thrashing of Ireland at Harare. Star batsman Faisal Shinoyzada’s record 163 lit up the Super-6 stage, earning a February 4 clash with Australia and knocking out Sri Lanka, West Indies, South Africa, and Ireland.
Batting first post-toss, Afghanistan lost openers cheaply at 27, but Shinoyzada orchestrated recovery. Pairing with Niyazi (26) for 75, then Khan (89 off 79) for 188, they amassed 315/7. His 19-four feast off 142 balls sets a new Afghan benchmark.
Riley and Wilson starred for Ireland with three wickets, Ford chipping in.
Ireland’s chase imploded at 124 all out in 40.4 overs, reeling at 53/5. Bates’ 34 (two fours) and Wilson’s 31 (four fours) yielded 55, but it was futile against Aziz and Khan’s 3-for-3 hauls, plus Umarzai and Arab.
Afghanistan’s clinical performance blends explosive batting and sharp bowling, marking them as tournament dark horses ready for semi-final fireworks.