India delivered a strong all-round performance to defeat Afghanistan by seven wickets in the second semi-final of the ICC Under 19 World Cup 2026 at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. Chasing a target of 311, the Indian team showed composure and skill to win with 53 balls remaining, highlighting their potential for the title.
Afghanistan U19 sets a solid total of 310/4 after batting first
Winning the toss, Afghanistan chose to bat first and took advantage of the conditions, scoring 310 for 4 in 50 overs. Uzairullah Niazai was the star, scoring an impressive unbeaten 101 off 86 balls, with 12 fours and 2 sixes.
Khalid Ahmadzai laid the groundwork with a quick 31 off 39 balls, while Osman Sadat contributed 39 runs from 70 balls. The highlight of Afghanistan’s innings was a significant 148-run partnership between Faisal Shinozada and Niazai. Shinozada scored an attacking 110 off 93 balls, hitting 15 fours, which boosted the scoring during the middle overs.
India’s bowlers maintained their discipline despite the pressure. Deepesh Devendran was the standout, taking 2 wickets for 64 runs in his full quota of overs, while Kanishk Chouhan also claimed two key wickets. Although Afghanistan kept a run rate above six, India’s bowlers managed to limit further damage in the final overs.
Aaron George, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and Ayush Mhatre lay a strong foundation
India started their chase confidently. Openers Aaron George and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi added a quick 90-run partnership, putting Afghanistan under pressure early on. Sooryavanshi was particularly explosive, scoring 68 runs off just 33 balls.
George played steadily, rotating the strike and punishing bad deliveries. Even after Sooryavanshi was out, India maintained their momentum, keeping the required run rate steady.
Captain Ayush Mhatre entered the match with a calm approach, partnering with George for a crucial 114-run stand. Mhatre scored 62 runs off 59 balls, balancing caution and aggression to keep India ahead of the target.
George finished with 115 runs off 104 balls, combining patience with authority. His dismissal with just 11 runs needed was a minor detail in what had turned into a straightforward chase.
With the hard work done, Vihaan Malhotra and Vedant Trivedi sealed the victory. Malhotra remained not out on 38, while Trivedi contributed 5 runs, guiding India to 311 for 3 in 41.1 overs, leading to celebrations in the Indian camp.
