Nepal’s U-19 team suffered a 1-run defeat to Afghanistan’s U-19 team in a thrilling second Youth One Day International (ODI) match on Sunday. The match, part of the preparations for next week’s ICC U-19 World Cup Asia Qualifiers, saw Afghanistan claim a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first at the Mulpani Cricket Ground, where they were bowled out for 168 runs in 50 overs.

In response, Nepal’s chase came down to the final over with the team needing 11 runs for victory. Nepal had just one wicket in hand.

In the last over, Dhruv Sonar hit two boundaries off the first and third balls, leaving Nepal needing three runs from the last three balls. However, on the fourth ball, Afghanistan’s Mahboob Khan bowled Dhruv out. Despite this, the delivery was called a no-ball.

When Dhruv advanced, thinking he was out, Afghanistan’s wicketkeeper Khalid Ahmadzai ran him out, ending Nepal’s hopes. Dhruv, who faced 31 balls, was dismissed for 21 runs.

Sahil Patel top-scored for Nepal with 64 runs off 119 balls, hitting six fours. The rest of the Nepal batting order saw contributions from Niraj Yadav (15), Naren Bhatta (13), Cibrin Shrestha (2), Dilshad Ali (8), Abhishek Tiwari (24 from 25 balls with four fours and one six), Rohan Bishwakarma (9), Santosh Yadav (4), and Aparajit Paudel (4).

For Afghanistan, Wahidullah Zadran, Zaitullah Shaheen, and Hafeez Zadran each took two wickets, while Rohullah Arab, captain Mahboob Khan, and Uzairullah Niazai claimed one wicket each.

Earlier, Afghanistan’s Mahboob Khan was the top scorer with 58 runs off 114 balls, hitting one four. Other notable contributions came from Rohullah Arab (27), Uzairullah Niazai (19), Nazifullah Amiri (16), Khatir Stanikzai (11), and Khalid Ahmadzai (10).

Nepal’s spin attack proved effective, with Santosh Yadav taking 3 wickets for 23 runs from 10 overs, including one maiden. Bipin Sharma also bowled well, taking 2 wickets for 44 runs from 10 overs, including one maiden. Cibrin Shrestha gave away 28 runs in 10 overs, taking two wickets, while Abhishek Tiwari and Aparajit Paudel took one wicket each.

The third and final match of the series between the two teams will take place on Wednesday.