Nepal wrapped up their ACC U-19 Asia Cup campaign with a nail-biting one-wicket victory over Afghanistan in Sarjah, the United Arab Emirates, on Tuesday.

Chasing a modest target of 124, Nepal endured a tense chase, ultimately crossing the line in 41.3 overs with just one wicket in hand.

Nepal had a shaky start to their chase, as openers Mayan Yadav (1) and Aakash Tripathi (9), and number three batter Santosh Yadav (7) departed cheaply.

Khatir Stanikzai further exploited Nepal’s frailty, dismantling Nepal’s middle order with a triple strike that included the wickets of Naran Bhatta (2), Roshan Bishwakarma (9) and Arjun Kumal, who had offered some resistance with 21 off 62.

At 54-6 after 22.5 overs, Nepal’s hopes looked dim. But a gritty 22 not out from captain Hemant Dhami and Naren Saud’s 26 off 54 helped Nepal achieve the target.

Earlier, Nepal’s bowlers laid the foundation for success with a commanding display, skittling Afghanistan out for just 123 in 35.4 overs, with Santosh Yadav (3-22), Unish Thakuri (3-24), Abhishek Tiwari (2-17) and Dhami (2-37) all proving deadly.

Faisal Shiozada fought alone with a half century, smashing 52 runs off 67 balls (that included four fours and two sixes), but his lone resistance proved insufficient, with Stanikzai’s 15 off 16 being the next best contribution in a disappointing batting effort.

Nepal had earlier lost their group matches against Sri Lanka by 55 runs and Bangladesh by 5 wickets.

Their first victory put them in third position in Group B with two points. Afghanistan bowed out of the Asia Cup without any win.

Leaders Sri Lanka and Bangladesh progressed to the semi-finals.

Pakistan, who are unbeaten in their two matches, have already secured their place in the last four from Group A, which also includes hosts UAE, India and Japan.

This is the second time Nepal U-19 side have beaten Afghanistan U-19 this year. Nepal had edged past Afghanistan by one wicket in the U-19 Cricket World Cup in January and entered the Super Six stage.