India A brilliant all-round performance to defeat afghanistan Defeated by seven wickets in the second semi-final of ICC Under 19 World Cup 2026 On Wednesday at the Harare Sports Club. Chasing a tough target of 311 runs, the Indian youngsters displayed composure, depth and firepower to win the match with 53 balls to spare and underlined their title credentials.
After choosing to bat, Afghanistan U19 scored an impressive 310/4
After winning the toss, Afghanistan decided to bat first and took full advantage of the conditions and scored a huge score of 310 runs for 4 wickets in 50 overs. The innings was opened by Uzairullah Niazai, who played a brilliant unbeaten inning of 101 runs off 86 balls, hitting 12 fours and 2 sixes at a healthy strike rate.
Earlier, Khalid Ahmadzai opened the innings with 31 off 39 balls, while Usman Sadat added stability at the top with 39 off 70 balls. However, the backbone of Afghanistan’s innings was the 148-run partnership between Faisal Shinzada and Niazai. Shinozada played an aggressive innings of 110 runs in 93 balls with the help of 15 fours, which increased the scoring in the middle overs.
Indian bowlers showed discipline despite the attack. Deepesh Devendran performed brilliantly and took 2 wickets for 64 runs in his entire overs, while Kanishk Chauhan also took two important wickets. Although Afghanistan managed to keep the run rate above six, India’s ability to hold wickets in the final overs prevented the total from increasing further.
Aaron George, Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre lay the right foundation
India’s chase began with intent and clarity. Aaron George and Vaibhav Suryavanshi put on a quick 90-run partnership for the first wicket, putting Afghanistan under immediate pressure. Suryavanshi was particularly aggressive, scoring 68 runs off just 33 balls and hitting the boundary with ease.
George played the role of anchor well in rotating the strike and punishing loose balls. Even after Suryavanshi’s dismissal, the momentum remained firmly with India as the asking rate never got out of control.
Captain Ayush Mhatre came with maturity beyond his years and made an important partnership of 114 runs with George. Mhatre’s innings of 62 off 59 balls ensured he balanced aggression with caution, keeping India ahead at the required rate.
George played a composed inning of 115 runs in 104 balls, an innings that mixed authority with patience. His dismissal with only 11 runs needed was just a footnote to what had already become a one-sided target.
After doing the heavy lifting, Vihaan Malhotra and Vedant Trivedi took India to victory without any trouble. Malhotra remained unbeaten on 38, while Trivedi scored 5 runs to take India to 311 for 3 in 41.1 overs, sparking celebrations in the Indian camp.
Five-time champions reached the finals in impressive style#U19WorldCup #TeamIndia #crickettwitter pic.twitter.com/uRNgTDacTn
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) 4 February 2026
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