India U19 Team Secures Spot in World Cup Final with Record Chase Against Afghanistan
India's Historic Victory
On Wednesday, the Indian Under-19 cricket team achieved a remarkable victory over Afghanistan, winning by seven wickets in the second semi-final of the ICC Men's U19 World Cup 2026. This win sets the stage for a final showdown against England. The Indian team's successful chase of 311 runs at Harare Sports Club marks the highest successful run chase in the tournament's history.
Previously, the record was held by New Zealand's U19 team, who chased down 305 runs against Ireland during the 2006 edition at Colombo's Premadasa Stadium.
Key Performers in the Match
Aaron George, opening the batting, scored an impressive 115 runs off 104 balls, featuring 15 fours and two sixes, which was pivotal in securing the win for India. Alongside him, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi contributed significantly with 68 runs off just 33 balls, forming a solid partnership of 90 runs for the first wicket. Vedant Trivedi (5 not out) and Vihaan Malhotra (38 not out off 47 balls) remained unbeaten, leading India to a comfortable victory while chasing a challenging target.
For Afghanistan, Nooristani Omarzai was the standout bowler, taking two wickets for 64 runs in his full quota of 10 overs.
Final Match Preview
With this victory, the India U19 team aims to clinch the title for the sixth time, extending their record. England's U19 team reached the final after defeating the defending champions, Australia U19, in the first semi-final. The final match is scheduled to take place at Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe on Friday.
Afghanistan's Strong Batting Performance
Earlier in the match, Afghanistan opted to bat first and set a formidable target of 310/4 in 50 overs, thanks to outstanding centuries from Faisal Shinozada and Uzairullah Niazai. The duo formed a significant partnership of 148 runs off 130 balls, putting Afghanistan in a strong position.
Afghanistan began their innings positively, scoring 23 runs without loss after five overs. By the end of the 10th over, they had reached 42 runs without losing a wicket.
India's Bowling Breakthrough
Deepesh Devendran provided India with their first breakthrough, dismissing Khalid Ahmadzai for 31 runs off 39 balls, which included four boundaries and one six. After 15 overs, Afghanistan was at 66/1, with Osman Sadat and Faisal Shinozada stabilizing the innings at 94/1 by the end of the 20th over.
Dominance of Shinozada and Niazai
Faisal Shinozada reached his fifty off 49 balls during the 29th over, and by the end of the 30th over, Afghanistan was comfortably placed at 145/2. The scoring rate increased as they reached 170/2 by the 35th over, eventually surpassing the 200-run mark in the 41st over.
Shinozada completed his century in 86 balls, marking his second consecutive hundred in the tournament. He celebrated with Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic 'Siuuuu' gesture, becoming the first Afghan player to score a century against India in the U19 World Cup, joining the ranks of notable players like Malcolm Lake and Ben Stokes.
Uzairullah Niazai also shone, scoring 101 runs off 86 balls, remaining not out as Afghanistan set a daunting target of 311 runs. Deepesh Devendran and Kanishk Chouhan each took two wickets for India.