The 2020 edition of the U19 World Cup kicked off on Friday. The opening game was played between South Africa and Afghanistan at Diamond Oval in Kimberley, where the Afghan team defeated the hosts by seven wickets.
A winning start for Afghanistan!
How impressed have you been with them today?#U19CWC | #SAvAFG pic.twitter.com/cd3pIzSoxL
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) January 17, 2020
Afghanistan’s Shafiqullah Ghafari was the hero as he dismantled the Proteas batting lineup. The 18-year-old took six wickets and played a crucial role in bundling out South Africa on 129.
Ghafari was introduced into the attack in the 12th over when South Africa were in a decent position at 59 for 2. But the leg-spinner crushed the opposition by bowling outstanding googlies.
A closer look at Shafiqullah Ghafari's outstanding effort with the ball.
The seventh best figures in the history of the #U19CWC 🙌 #SAvAFG pic.twitter.com/5o9akXhehk
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) January 17, 2020
The South African batsmen never looked comfortable while facing the googlies. Ghafari finished with six wickets for 15 runs in his 9.1 overs.
Chasing a low total didn’t really bother the Afghanistan batsmen as they reached the target in just 25 overs with a loss of 3 wickets. Imran Mir (57) and Ibrahim Zadran (52) went on to score the half-centuries.
Without any surprise, Ghafari, for his incredible spell, was rewarded with the ‘Player of the Match’ award.
No surprises who Player of the Match is today!#U19CWC | #SAvAFG pic.twitter.com/1hJXwo3RQ2
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) January 17, 2020
