The stage is set at the historic Harare Sports Club for a high-stakes clash as the five-time champions India U19 face a historic chase Afghanistan U19 in the second semi-final of ICC Under 19 World Cup 2026.
While India are seeking a record sixth consecutive finals appearance, Afghanistan are entering the knockouts with great momentum in their quest to reach their maiden U19 World Cup final.
India performed brilliantly throughout the tournament and entered the semi-finals with an unbeaten record. They topped Group 2 during the Super Six stage, registering an impressive 58-run win over arch-rivals. Pakistan. The team’s primary strength lies in its exceptional all-round depth, with players such as Kanishk Chauhan and captain Ayush Mhatre Consistently making important breakthroughs with the ball and providing much needed consistency with the bat. Abhigyan Kundu He has scored 199 runs so far while playing the role of batting anchor. Henil Patel Has been a force in the field, leading India’s bowling charts with 11 wickets.
Afghanistan, which created the history of the tournament, secured its place in the semi-finals by finishing second in Group 1. Sri Lanka to dismantle ireland With a huge score of 191 runs. Their campaign has been led by an explosive top-order batting lineup Faisal ShinozadaWho is in the form of his life after scoring a record breaking 163 runs in the match against Ireland. While Afghanistan are traditionally known for spin, Nuristani Omarzai Changed the narrative this year, leading a powerful pace attack with 12 wickets and proving that this team is an absolute threat.
IND vs AFG, U19 World Cup 2026 Semifinal 2: Match Details
- date and time: 4 February; 1:00 PM IST / 9:30 AM Local Time / 7:30 AM GMT
- venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare
IND vs AFG, U19 head-to-head record
Matches played: 12 | India won: 10 | Afghanistan won: 02 | No result/tied: 0
Harare Sports Club pitch report
The Harare Sports Club pitch for this high-stakes semi-final is expected to be slow and dry, traditionally suited to spinners, while the new ball provides early pace to the fast bowlers. Historically, there has been a balanced competition at this venue where batsmen can score freely once they get into the rhythm of the bounce, but run-scoring generally becomes more challenging as the surface becomes slower in the middle overs. With the average first innings score hovering between 240 and 260, the toss will be crucial, especially as scattered clouds and possible thunderstorms could potentially impact conditions overhead.
squads
India: Ayush Mhatre (Captain), RS Ambareesh, Kanishk Chauhan, D. Deepesh, Mohammad Anan, Aaron George, Abhigyan Kundu, Kishan Kumar Singh, Vihaan MalhotraUdhav Mohan, Henil Patel, Khilan A Patel, Harvansh Singh, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Vedant Trivedi
Afghanistan: Mehboob Khan (captain), Khalid Ahmadzai, Usman Sadat, Faisal Khan, Uzairullah Niazai, Aziz Miyan Khil, Nazif Amiri, Khatir Stanikzai, Nuristani, Abdul Aziz, Salam Khan, Wahid Zadran, Zaitullah Shaheen, Rohullah Arab, Aqeel Khan Obaid. Reserve: Aqeel Khan, Faheem Qasemi, Izzat Noor
IND vs AFG, U19 World Cup 2026 Semifinal 2: Today Match Prediction
Case 1:
- India won the toss and fielded first
- Afghanistan Powerplay Score: 40-50
- Afghanistan’s total score: 250-260
Case 2:
- Afghanistan won the toss and fielded first
- India’s powerplay score: 50-60
- India’s total score: 295-305
Match Result: India will win the tournament.
