Spirited Afghanistan lose by 17 runs

Hashmatullah Shaidi contributed with bat and in the field to help Afghanistan Under-19s put in an improved performance against Pakistan Under-19s, in the second youth ODI in Lahore. However, it was not enough to prevent Afghanistan from falling to a 17-run loss in the 45-overs-a-side game and Pakistan from sealing the three-match series 2-0 with one to play.

Afghanistan chose to bowl and Pakistan were anchored early on, once again, by captain Sami Aslam. Aslam scored 71 - his sixth score of over 70 in ten youth limited-overs games - off 86 balls, with six fours and three sixes. He eventually fell to the offspin of Shaidi, but had set the platform for Pakistan to push on to a commanding score - they were 199 for 4 after 40. However, left-arm spinner Zia-ur-Rehman struck twice in the 41st over and medium-pacer Abdullah Adil did the same in the 42nd to ensure Pakistan were kept to 238 for 9.

That Afghanistan got so close to their target was down to a half-century from Shaidi. Like Aslam, he anchored the innings, with 82 off 112 balls. Usman Ghani and captain Nasir Ahmadzai played the supporting roles with brisk 40s, ensuring Afghanistan were in the game till the last couple of overs. It wasn't enough in the end though.