Under-19 Asia Cup, Asian Cricket Council, Afghanistan, Won, Pakistan, Hapless, Kuala Lumpur, Asia Cup 2017, Malaysia,
Afghan youngsters makes country proud after thumping victory over Pakistan in ACC Under-19 Asia Cup. Photo Credit: ACC.

From remarkable leg-spinner – Rashid Khan to the mystery spinner Mujeeb from war-torn Afghanistan, the country has a lot to boast about cricket at the moment. This time around, the dedicated players stunned the cricketing world by routing Pakistan – to lift the first-ever Asian Cricket Council Under-19 Asia Cup title at Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia on Sunday afternoon.

The emphatic win will boost the morale of the youngsters who are waiting in the wings – to break into the national team in the foreseeable future.

While dishing out a thorough and a clinical performance which would not have been expected by many in the cricket world but by the time it happened as they say: ‘cricket is always a game of glorious uncertainties’.

Under-19 Asia Cup, Asian Cricket Council, Afghanistan, Won, Pakistan, Hapless, Kuala Lumpur, Asia Cup 2017, Malaysia,
Afghanistan crowd jubilant after Mujeeb Zadran’s special figures in the final at Kinrara in Malaysia. Photo Credit: Web.

Afghanistan won the major title after thrashing Hasan Khan-led Pakistan convincingly by 185 runs in the grand finale.

Chasing down the target of 249, Pakistan batsmen had no solid answer whatsoever for the off-spinner Mujeeb, who was the protagonist with the white ball, as Pakistan batsmen had no clue for the wily customer, who is expected to be a next big thing in Afghan cricket.

Outclassing Pakistan in every department, the sensational slow-bowler Mujeeb claimed a five-wicket haul after conceding just 13 runs in 7.1 overs.

Under-19 Asia Cup, Asian Cricket Council, Afghanistan, Won, Pakistan, Hapless, Kuala Lumpur, Asia Cup 2017, Malaysia,
Afghanistan won hearts for outstanding performance. Web.

On the other side, Qais Ahmad bagged three wickets in six overs after giving away 18 runs.

Pakistan was bundled out for 63 in 22.1 overs to see Aghan team scripting a history in the gentleman’s game under the dynamic leadership of the fast bowler Naveen-Ul-Haq.

So much so, four Pakistan batters were not able to open their account which further saw the 17-year-old left-handed batsman Mohammad Taha top-score for Pakistan. He scored 38 balls, as his innings included a solitary boundary.

Under-19 Asia Cup, Asian Cricket Council, Afghanistan, Won, Pakistan, Hapless, Kaula Lumpur, Asia Cup 2017, Malaysia,
Hasan Khan of Pakistan won the toss and asked Afghanistan to bat first. Photo Credit: Web.

(Read Also: ACC U-19 Asia Cup 2017; 2nd Semi-Final: Afghanistan Reached Final After Thrashing Nepal)

After batting first when Pakistan opted to bowl first, Afghanistan batters posted a competitive total of 248 for seven in 50 overs.

Interestingly, the wicket-keeper batsman Ikram Ali Khil was the chief architect with the bat, who smashed brilliant hundred and subsequently remained unbeaten on 107 off 113 balls.

The left-handed batsman smashed ten boundaries and two sixes in his hard-fought knock while flaying the Pakistani bowlers all-around the ground.

Afghanistan’s all-around performance created a history as cricket has played a significant role in united the people of the war-hit country which further saw the professional cricketers rose among the ranks to grab the attention of the veterans of the game.

Earlier, Afghanistan openers gave their side a cautious start which saw them collected 61 runs in 17.5 overs.

For Afghanistan, the top-order batsmen were among runs to frustrate the Pakistan bowlers on a wicket which some seam moment in the first innings, before Mujeeb went on to steamroll Pakistan.

Pertinently, in the league game, Afghanistan strangulated Pakistan at 57 before marching into the final following some spectacular performances by the youngsters throughout the just-concluded championship.

Under-19 Asia Cup, Asian Cricket Council, Afghanistan, Won, Pakistan, Hapless, Kaula Lumpur, Asia Cupr 2017, Malaysia,
Both the captain posed with the Under-19 Asia Cup title. Photo Credit: Web.

(Read Further: ACC U-19 Asia Cup 2017; 1st Semi-Final: Rain Favours Pakistan As They Edged Out Bangladesh)

Who would have had thought Afghanistan might clinch the trophy, but it’s the cricket which has had sprung the surprises in the past and would continue to spring many around to see players and fans witnessing an adrenaline rush.

This is how Twittersphere erupted in joy after a massive win to take the coveted Under-19 Asia Cup title home:

https://twitter.com/mhaqmal/status/93212345323433574

Tahir Ibn Manzoor

Tahir Ibn Manzoor, who tweets @TahirIbnManzoor (https://twitter.com/TahirIbnManzoor) - works as an editor for Sportzwiki.com. He has a great affection for longform feature writing. He completed his masters...

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