Khalid ahmadzai

U19 Cricket World Cup: Afghanistan have sealed their berth for the 2026 ICC Men's U19 Cricket World Cup, set to take place early next year in Namibia and Zimbabwe, after emerging victorious from a competitive qualifying tournament in Asia, whose final day fixtures were abandoned due to rain in Kathmandu.

Afghanistan’s campaign in the qualifying tournament began with dominant eight-wicket wins over Oman and Hong Kong China, before a mammoth score of 359/4 helped them defeat the UAE by 180 runs (via DLS method) and put them into the driver’s seat for sealing their spot in the main even ahead of Saturday’s winner-takes-all tie against Nepal.

But persistent rain on Saturday meant no play was possible at the Lower Mulpani ground. As a result, Afghanistan’s net run rate of +4.82 was enough to secure top spot from Nepal (+3.58) and seal their ninth appearance at an U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup. They are also the 13th team to confirm their presence for the next year’s tournament, with three more spots still up for grabs.