The stage is set for a high-stakes encounter as the five-time champions at the historic Harare Sports Club. India U19 encounters a historical quest Afghanistan U19 in the second semi-final ICC Under-19 World Cup in 2026.
While India are looking to reach a record sixth consecutive finals match, Afghanistan enter the knockouts with a formidable run rate to reach the finals of the U19 World Cup for the first time.
India have been clinical throughout the tournament, reaching the semi-finals with an unbeaten record. They secured top spot in Group 2 with a dominant 58 wins over arch-rivals at the Super Six stage. Pakistan. The team’s main strength lies in its exceptional all-round depth with players like him Kanishk Chouhan and captain Ayush Mhatre consistently providing important breakthroughs with the ball and much-needed consistency with the bat. Abhigyan Kundu has acted as the anchor of the batting scoring 199 runs so far Henil Patel He has been a force in the field, leading India’s bowling charts with 11 wickets.
Afghanistan, who created the history of the tournament, took the second place in the 1st group and qualified for the semi-finals. They fought back from a single-handed defeat. Sri Lanka tear down Ireland by a massive 191 runs. Their campaign is built on the back of an explosive top class strike team led by them In Faisal ShinozaAfter smashing a record-breaking 163 in the match against Ireland, who is in the form of his life. Although Afghanistan is traditionally known for spin, Nuristan Omarzai he changed the narrative this year, leading a powerful pace attack with 12 wickets and proving that this side is an all-round threat.
IND vs AFG, U19 World Cup 2026 semi-final 2: Match details
- Date and Time: February 4; 1:00 PM IST / 9:30 AM Local Time/ 7:30 AM GMT
- Location: Harare Sports Club, Harare
IND vs AFG, Head to Head Record in U19s
Matches played: 12 | India won by: 10 | Afghanistan won: 02 | No Results/Closed: 0
Harare Sports Club Field Report
The pitch for this high-stakes semi-final at the Harare Sports Club is expected to be slow and dry, traditionally favoring spinners but offering some initial action for pacers with the hard, new ball. Historically, this venue has produced a balanced contest where batsmen can score freely after adjusting to the bounce rhythm, but in the middle innings as the surface slows down, run scores are generally more difficult. With a first innings score averaging between 240 and 260, the toss will be crucial, especially with scattered clouds and possible thundershowers in the forecast potentially affecting weather conditions.
Groups
India: Ayush Mhatre (c), RS Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, D. Deepesh, Mohamed Enaan, Aaron George, Abhigyan Kundu, Kishan Kumar Singh, I hate MalhotraUdhav Mohan, Henil Patel, Khilan A. Patel, Harvansh Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Vedant Trivedi
Afghanistan: Mahbub Khan (c), Khalid Ahmadzai, Osman Sadat, Faisal Khan, Uzayrullah Niazai, Aziz Mia Khil, Nazif Amiri, Khatir Stanikzai, Nuristani, Abdul Aziz, Salam Khan, Wahid Zadran, Zaitullah Shahin, Rohullah Arab, Aqil Khan Obaid. Reserves: Aqil Khan, Fahim Ghasemi, Izat Noor
IND vs AFG, U19 World Cup 2026 semi-final 2: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- India win the toss first
- Afghanistan powerplay score: 40-50
- Afghanistan total score: 250-260
Case 2:
- Afghanistan wins the toss first
- India powerplay score: 50-60
- India total score: 295-305
Match Result: India will win the competition.
