On February 4, 2026, Afghanistan U19 faced off against India U19. Choosing to bat first, Afghanistan set a total of 310. India began their chase for 311 runs confidently, but one particular shot early in the game stood out. In the third over, Aaron George hit a spectacular drive off Abdul Aziz that raced for four runs.
This shot, though simple, showcased perfect timing and balance, captivating the commentators who noted its resemblance to a classic Virat Kohli drive.
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The shot helped Aaron George settle in, giving India the confidence needed to tackle the challenging chase. The pitch was flat, but chasing a target of 300 in a knockout match brought added pressure. India approached the task calmly from the start.
Afghanistan Scores 310 Runs
Afghanistan managed to reach 310 runs with steady batting throughout their innings. Their opening partnership added 53 runs without taking risks. Two centurions showcased different batting styles, which were vital for the innings.
Faisal anchored the innings, scoring his second consecutive hundred with great control. Uzairullah Niazai provided powerful support, pushing the score along with quick runs and aggressive batting. The partnership between Faisal and Uzairullah contributed 148 runs off 130 balls, shifting the momentum of the match.
India missed several run-out chances, allowing Afghanistan to score extra runs late in their innings. Afghanistan added 111 runs in the last 10 overs, setting a tough target for India.
India Seals Victory with Record Chase
India completed the chase impressively, making it look easier than expected. During the powerplay, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi played aggressively, capitalizing on an early dropped catch. His fearless approach eased the pressure on the team.
After a slow start to the tournament, Aaron George finally delivered a perfect century with his well-timed shots. The Indian team maintained a steady scoring pace without showing any signs of stress throughout the match.
India reached their target in just 41.1 overs, dominating Afghanistan with their batting performance. Afghanistan regretted missed fielding opportunities, especially the drop catch of Sooryavanshi. With this victory, India made their 10th appearance in the U19 World Cup final in 16 tournaments.
