England came in as one of the favorites to win the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, and they have lived up to that billing with four major appearances in the semi-finals. But Tuesday’s opponents Afghanistan present a very different challenge to England’s aggressive side.
Afghanistan’s late arrival in the Caribbean forced the ICC to reschedule the fixtures of its group matches, but Afghanistan, with a stellar performance in the semi-finals of the Under-19 World Cup, ensured that it was won by the apex body. The tweaking was worth it, even if it meant rescheduling as many as four matches.
Away from cricket and accustomed to dealing with bigger issues, a war-torn Afghanistan team will chase down history on Tuesday in a game that has often been a soothing balm to many of the country’s battered souls.
Having been punched above their weight, they now face England in the Super League semi-finals of the Under-19 showpiece at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, a fitting setting for those looking to get inspired to work in cricket. Name can only be done by the person in whose name the venue is named. Do it in its heyday.
Afghanistan will create history if they are able to beat the arch-rival England, as they have never reached the final of the Under-19 World Cup.
If his entry into the tournament was not devoid of drama, his march into the last-four stage was no less dramatic, thanks to visa issues.
Troubles turned against him when he posted just 134 on the board after being asked to take the first strike in Sri Lanka’s quarterfinal match, but Afghanistan struck with the ball to bundle out the island nation for 130 in 46 overs in Coolidge Cricket. Made a great performance. Grounds in Antigua.
Earlier, Afghanistan won all three matches in the group stage, after obtaining the necessary permission to travel to the West Indies.
This is only the second time, the first being the 2018 edition in New Zealand, that Afghanistan have made it to the Super League semi-finals of the Under-19 World Cup.
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