Shinozada ton powers Afghanistan U-19 to crushing World Cup win over Ireland

Faisal Shinozada’s monumental century powered Afghanistan to a commanding 191-run victory over Ireland in the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026 Super Sixes match at the Harare Sports Club on Friday, sealing their place in the semi-finals.

The emphatic win ensured Afghanistan finished second in Group 1 with six points from four matches, joining group leaders and defending champions Australia, who topped the standings with eight points, in the last four of the tournament.

Opting to bat first, Afghanistan captain Mahboob Khan was rewarded as his side posted an imposing 315 for seven in their allotted 50 overs.

Afghanistan suffered an early setback, losing openers Osman Sadat (14) and Khalid Ahmadzai (1) inside the first eight overs with just 27 runs on the board.

Shinozada then anchored the recovery, adding 75 runs for the third wicket with Uzairullah Niazai (26) before the latter was dismissed by Oliver Riley in the 22nd over.

Shinozada went on to dominate alongside Mahboob, with the pair stitching together a match-defining 188-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

The stand was broken in the 48th over when Shinozada was dismissed by Riley after a superb 163 off 142 balls, an innings that included 18 fours and a six.

He was named Player of the Match for his effort.

Mahboob followed an over later after scoring a fluent 89 from 79 balls, striking five fours and two sixes.

For Ireland, Riley and Reuben Wilson claimed three wickets apiece, while Thomas Ford picked up one.

Chasing a daunting target of 315, Ireland were bowled out for 124 in 40.4 overs. Middle-order batter Marko Bates top-scored with a patient 34 off 81 balls, while Wilson contributed 31. Only Rob O’Brien (16) and James West (15) reached double figures.

Afghanistan’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Abdul Aziz and Aqil Khan taking three wickets each, while Nooristani Omarzai and Roohullah Arab claimed one apiece, completing a comprehensive victory.