India showed all-round command to defeat Afghanistan by seven wickets in the second semi-final ICC Under-19 World Cup in 2026 at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. Chasing a mammoth target of 311, the Indian youngsters showed composure, depth and firepower to seal the contest, underscoring their title credentials, with a 53-ball run.
Afghanistan U19 an impressive 310/4 after electing to bat
After winning the toss, Afghanistan opted to bat first and took full advantage of the conditions to post 310 for 4 in 50 overs. The innings was anchored by Uzairullah Niazai who played a perfect unbeaten knock of 101 off 86 balls, hitting 12 fours and 2 sixes with a healthy strike.
Earlier, Khalid Ahmadzai was fluent in 31-39 and Osman Sadat added stability to the top with 70-39 balls. However, the backbone of Afghanistan’s innings was a 148-run partnership between Faisal Shinozada and Niazai. Shinozada’s attack of 93 off 110, hitting 15 fours, accelerated the scoring in the middle overs.
Indian bowlers showed discipline despite the attack. Deepesh Devendran was the standout performer, returning figures of 64 for 2 from his full quota, while Kanishk Chouhan also scored two important wickets. While Afghanistan managed to keep the run rate above 6, India’s ability to restrict wickets in the final innings prevented the total from rising further.
Aaron George, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre lay the perfect foundation
India’s chase began with intent and clarity. Aaron George and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi added a quick opening stand of 90 runs, putting Afghanistan under immediate pressure. Sooryavanshi was particularly aggressive, smashing 68 off just 33 balls and hitting the boundary with ease.
George played the anchor to perfection, punishing the spinning strike and loose deliveries. Even after Sooryavanshi’s dismissal, momentum remained firm in India as the poll rate never got out of hand.
Skipper Ayush Mhatre went with maturity beyond his age and combined with George for a vital 114-run partnership. Mhatre’s knock of 59 off 62 balls balanced caution with calculated aggression and ensured India pushed the required pace.
George scored 115 off 104 deliveries, combining patience with authority. His dismissal for just 11 runs was a record in what had already become a one-sided chase.
After doing the heavy lifting, Vihaan Malhotra and Vedant Trivedi took India home without fuss. Malhotra remained unbeaten on 38 while Trivedi hit 5 to take India to 311 for 3 in 41.1 overs, sparking celebrations in the Indian camp.
The five-time champions advance to the final in dominant fashion🙌#U19 World Cup #TeamIndia #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/uRNgTDacTn
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 4, 2026
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