Jr. Afghan cricketers notch up morale-boosting win

By Pakhtun Sahar

PESHAWAR, July (Pajhwok Afghan News): Junior cricketers from Afghanistan pulled off a convincing 35-run win over their opponents in a limited overs match at the Gymkhana Cricket Ground here on Tuesday.

The visiting Under-17 side, electing to bat first after winning the toss, piled up a massive tally of 283 runs in the allotted 40 overs - thanks to a whirlwind 53 by Javed Ahmad, 54 by Gulbadin and 30 each by Mohammad and Nasir Jamal.

Among the middle-order batsmen, Aimal Wafa, Mohammad Asghar and Murad entertained the highly responsive crowd to an aggressive batting display. Their gutsy knocks saw the visitors post an impressive total, which they courageously defended.

The Peshawar squad, their experience, application and game-plan notwithstanding, were restricted to 248 - 35 runs short of the target.

In the process, the Afghan youngsters notched up their first morale-boosting triumph during their ongoing tour, aimed at preparations for the Asian Games to be played in Malaysia next month.

Translated by Mudassir