Canada batted first in their final match of the Under 19 World Cup qualifier, needing a win against Afghanistan. Their hopes of qualification are gone following an abject batting performance, all out for 71 in 32.2 overs. Afghanistan knocked off the runs in 15 overs, and Canada now look likely to finish 7th or 8th in the 10-team tournament. They beat top qualifiers Scotland and Nepal, but losses in close matches with PNG, Kenya, and Namibia, combined with big defeats against Ireland and Afghanistan mean they will not be making the trip to the U19 World Cup. PNG beat Ireland to book their place along with Nepal, Scotland, Ireland and Afghanistan, and Namibia joined them after beating Kenya. Overall this was a very disappointing tournament for the young Canadians, the bright lights being Manny Aulakh, the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, and the brilliant batting of Nitesh Kumar.

Canada got off to a disastrous start, losing their first six wickets for 39. Pathan drove a nice boundary but was bowled trying a similar shot off the next ball in the third over; then Shah edged a good ball to the keeper. The third and fourth wickets went to run outs, due to some excellent fielding- Dutta couldn’t beat a direct hit – and some bad luck- Edghill was out of his ground when Kumar’s straight drive was deflected onto the stumps by the bowler. Canada’s hopes at this point rested with Kumar, by far their best batsman of the tournament but a swinging full length delivery from Sayed Shirzad was too good for him and he was bowled for 12. Juvarajan was lbw with the score on 39. Aukla and Ramsammy hung around for 10 overs before Aukla was caught hooking, then Ramsammy (top scorer with 13) hit an easy catch to cover and Canada were 70/8. The last two wickets added just one run, and Canada were all out for 71 in just 32.2 overs.
Javed Ahmadi hit two fours from Aulakh’s 2nd over but the leading wicket taker in the tournament struck back dismissing Younas Ahmadzai leg-before. Asfar Khan hit Aulakh for six but skied another big hit off Singh to leave Aghanistan 26/2. Javed Ahmadi continued to bat aggressively, and led Aghanistan to victory in just 15 overs, causing Canada’s net run rate irreparable harm.

CricInfo scorecard