Afghanistan beat Hong Kong by eight wickets

Christchurch, Jan 19  First-time qualifier Afghanistan produced a clinical performance Tuesday defeating Hong Kong by eight wickets for their first-ever victory in the International Cricket Council (ICC) U-19 cricket World Cup here Tuesday.
 
After winning the toss and deciding to field in the Group A encounter, Afghanistan bowled Hong Kong outfor 137 in 35.1 overs with Zakiullah Zaki returning figures of 34 for five.   
Only opener Ashish Gadhia (46) and Nizakat Khan (27) offered some resistance as the two put on 60 runs for the fourth wicket.   
Chasing 138 for victory, Afghanistan openers Javed Ahmadi (90) and Ayan Aminzai (21) set a solid platform with a partnership of 86 runs. Ahmadi's strokeful 98-ball innings included nine fours and three sixes.   
In other matches, New Zealand beat Zimbabwe by seven wickets at Lincoln to confirm its place in the Super League quarter-finals while West Indies overpowered Papua New Guinea by five wickets to give themselves a chance of reaching the last-eight stage.   
In the last match of the day, Ireland�s Paul Stirling scored a classy century to lead his side to a five-wicket win over the US.   
At the top of Group A, India and England are already assured of places in the Super League quarter-finals. In Group B, South Africa and Australia have reached the last eight stage.