India won against Afghanistan by 7 wickets in the second semi-final of the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup and will play against England in the final. Chasing a target of 311 runs, the Indian team started strong, reaching their goal in 41.1 overs. Aaron George, who had been struggling to score, made 115 runs from 104 balls, featuring 15 boundaries and 2 sixes.
He partnered with Vaibhav Suryavanshi to add 90 runs in just 9.3 overs. Vaibhav scored 68 runs off 33 balls, including 9 fours and 4 sixes. After Vaibhav was out, the Afghan team tried to slow down the scoring, but captain Ayush Mhatre also came back into form, scoring 62 runs off 59 balls with 5 boundaries and 4 sixes. Ayush and George shared a 114-run partnership for the second wicket.
Vihaan Malhotra contributed with 38 runs off 47 balls, including 3 boundaries.
Nooristani Omarzai took two wickets for Afghanistan. Earlier, Afghanistan’s batting was impressive, with Faisal Shinozada and Niazai both scoring hundreds. Faisal made 110 runs off 93 balls, featuring 15 fours, while Niazai added 101 runs off 86 balls, hitting 12 fours and 2 sixes. For India, Deepesh Devendran and Kanishk Chouhan each took two wickets.
India will face England in the final on February 6.
