Mahboob Khan, Wahidullah Zadran Included in Afghanistan’s Under-19 World Cup Roster
Mahboob Khan, who celebrated his 19th birthday on New Year’s Day, will captain Afghanistan in the upcoming 50-over Under-19 World Cup set to kick off on January 15 in Zimbabwe and Namibia. He possesses considerable leadership experience at the youth ODI level, having led his nation during the 2024 and 2025 Asia Cup events and has been appointed to guide a team rich in spin-bowling talent. Wahidullah Zadran stands out in the bowling lineup. The 18-year-old offspinner’s potential is underscored by his participation in senior cricket at last year’s ILT20 tournament with the Gulf Giants. He also entered the IPL auction in December—making him one of the youngest candidates on the list—but unfortunately, he went unsold. Wahidullah will receive support from left-arm spinner Zaitullah Shaheen and legspinner Hafeez Zadran. Afghanistan secured their place in the Under-19 World Cup by winning the Asia Qualifier last year, during which they maintained an unbeaten streak. They are placed in Group D alongside South Africa, Tanzania, and West Indies. Mahboob Khan (capt), Khalid Ahmadzai, Osman Sadat, Faisal Khan, Uzairullah Niazai, Aziz Mia Khil, Nazif Amiri, Khatir Stanikzai, Nooristani Omarzai, Abdul Aziz, Salam Khan, Wahidullah Zadran, Zaitullah Shaheen, Rohullah Arab, Hafieezullah Zadran Reserves: Aqil Khan, Fahim Qasemi, Izat Noor Afghanistan’s group stage U-19 World Cup fixtures January 16: vs South Africa, Windhoek January 18: vs West Indies, Windhoek January 21: vs Tanzania, Windhoek
Published: 2026-01-09 04:24:00
source: www.espncricinfo.com
