The U19 World Cup witnessed its inaugural nail-biter as Afghanistan put New Zealand under pressure in pursuit of a modest 91-run target. New Zealand narrowly secured victory by one wicket, marked by a run-out drama involving the non-striker, resulting in the Kiwis losing their 9th wicket.

The U19 World Cup 2024 in South Africa witnessed a thrilling encounter as Afghanistan pushed New Zealand to the edge in a low-scoring match at Buffalo Park in East London on January 23. New Zealand secured victory by a mere one-wicket margin, reaching 92/9 in response to Afghanistan’s 91 all-out.

The crucial winning runs came from a double off Afghanistan skipper Naseer Khan Maroofkhil, who had earlier executed a dramatic run-out to keep his team in contention. New Zealand bowler Ewald Schreuder matched the pace of spinner Maroofkhil during his delivery stride, but Maroofkhil, remaining vigilant, caught Schreuder off-guard.

Despite Schreuder continuing to walk out of the crease, Maroofkhil halted and dislodged the bails at the non-striker’s end. Afghanistan remained hopeful, being just one wicket away. Schreuder expressed disappointment, and the third umpire ruled the decision in favour or of the Afghans.

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Despite being only two runs away, the Kiwi team felt the tension with nine wickets down. Matt Rowe, a composed middle-order batsman, played a key role for New Zealand by calmly nudging a fuller delivery from Maroofkhil to the covers and securing a couple of runs, ultimately guiding his team to victory.

“It is in the rules and that’s why I did it, ”Naseer Khan commented on the run-out when questioned after the game.

Rowe played a crucial role in New Zealand’s impressive bowling performance, claiming figures of 5/21 to dismiss Afghanistan for a modest 91. Both teams had only two batters reaching double figures, but New Zealand emerged victorious, securing the top spot in Group D with two consecutive wins.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan faced defeat in both their matches and are currently at the bottom of the group standings. Even with the late dismissal, Matt Rowe, who had impressed with five wickets in just 16 balls during the first innings, secured the winning runs off the following delivery, sealing a thrilling one-wicket victory for New Zealand.

Despite winning the Aramco Player of the Match award, Rowe remained practical about the dismissal when questioned after the game, stating:

“Well I guess cricket’s cricket and what’s going to happen is going to happen. So, oh well.”

Non-striker run-outs are not uncommon in the U19 World Cup

In the 2016 tournament in Bangladesh, West Indies bowler Keemo Paul secured a dramatic two-run victory by running out Zimbabwe’s last batsman, Richard Ngarava, at the non-striker’s end.

In 2020, Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmad executed a similar dismissal by running out Pakistan’s Muhammad Hurraira at the non-striker’s end. Additionally, in the first U19 Women’s World Cup last year, Pakistan’s Zaib-Un-Nisa used the same method to dismiss Rwanda’s Shakila Niyomuhoza.

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