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India produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Afghanistan by seven wickets in the second semi-final of the ICC Under 19 World Cup 2026 at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. Chasing a daunting target of 311, the Indian youngsters showcased composure, depth and firepower to seal the contest with 53 balls to spare, underlining their title credentials.
Afghanistan U19 post impressive 310/4 after choosing to bat
After winning the toss, Afghanistan opted to bat first and made full use of the conditions to post an imposing 310 for 4 in 50 overs. The innings was anchored by Uzairullah Niazai, who played a superb unbeaten knock of 101 off 86 balls, striking 12 fours and 2 sixes at a healthy strike rate.
Earlier, Khalid Ahmadzai set the tone with a fluent 31 off 39 balls, while Osman Sadat added stability at the top with a 70-ball 39. The backbone of Afghanistan’s innings, however, was the 148-run partnership between Faisal Shinozada and Niazai. Shinozada’s attacking 110 off 93 deliveries, laced with 15 fours, accelerated the scoring through the middle overs.
India bowlers showed discipline despite the onslaught. Deepesh Devendran was the standout performer, returning figures of 2 for 64 from his full quota of overs, while Kanishk Chouhan also picked up two crucial wickets. Though Afghanistan managed to maintain a run rate above six, India’s ability to restrict wickets in the final overs prevented the total from ballooning 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 brisk 90-run opening stand, immediately putting Afghanistan under pressure. Sooryavanshi was particularly aggressive, smashing 68 off just 33 balls, peppering the boundary with ease.
George played the anchor role to perfection, rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries. Even after Sooryavanshi’s dismissal, the momentum remained firmly with India, as the asking rate never spiralled out of control.
Skipper Ayush Mhatre walked in with maturity beyond his years and combined with George for a vital 114-run partnership. Mhatre’s knock of 62 off 59 balls balanced caution with calculated aggression, ensuring India stayed ahead of the required rate.
George went on to score a composed 115 off 104 deliveries, a knock that blended patience with authority. His dismissal with just 11 runs needed was merely a footnote in what had already become a one-sided chase.
With the heavy lifting done, Vihaan Malhotra and Vedant Trivedi guided India home without fuss. Malhotra remained unbeaten on 38, while Trivedi chipped in with 5 to take India to 311 for 3 in 41.1 overs, sparking celebrations in the Indian camp.
The five-time champions march into the final in dominant fashion🙌
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