Quick Read
- Aaron George scored a half-century and was nearing a century in the U19 World Cup 2026 semifinal.
- India was chasing Afghanistan’s formidable target of 311 runs.
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi provided an explosive start with 68 runs off 33 balls.
- Captain Ayush Mhatre also contributed a crucial half-century to India’s chase.
- Afghanistan’s innings featured centuries from Faisal Shinozada (110) and Uzairullah Niazai (101*).
HARARE (Azat TV) – Indian opening batter Aaron George delivered a commanding performance in the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 semifinal, scoring a crucial half-century and nearing a century, propelling India into a dominant position against Afghanistan. His efforts, alongside explosive innings from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and captain Ayush Mhatre, were instrumental in India’s robust chase of Afghanistan’s challenging total of 310 runs at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
George, known for his stylish batting, reached his half-century off 52 deliveries, featuring confident stroke play that kept India’s chase firmly on track. At one point, he was in the 40s when India needed 164 runs to win from 192 balls, later nearing a century as India closed in on the target. His partnership with captain Ayush Mhatre, who also recorded a vital fifty, showcased a blend of aggression and stability that dismantled Afghanistan’s bowling attack after an initial blistering start.
India’s Strong Pursuit of Afghanistan’s Target
India’s pursuit of the 311-run target began with an electrifying opening stand between George and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Sooryavanshi, who entered the tournament with high expectations, lived up to his potential with a sensational 68 runs off just 33 balls, including two fours and two sixes in one over. His rapid-fire innings, which included a 24-ball half-century, set the tone, creating a 90-run partnership with George in just 57 balls.
After Sooryavanshi’s dismissal, George and Mhatre took control, maintaining a healthy run rate and ensuring India remained well ahead of the required run rate. Mhatre’s fifty, a much-needed return to form, combined with George’s steady accumulation, saw India cross the 200-run mark inside 25 overs, requiring just over 100 runs from the remaining 25 overs with ample wickets in hand, according to The Indian Express.
Afghanistan’s Centurions Set Challenging Total
Earlier in the day, Afghanistan, after winning the toss and electing to bat first, posted a formidable total of 310 for 4 in their allotted 50 overs. Their innings was anchored by two exceptional centuries from Faisal Shinozada and Uzairullah Niazai. Shinozada scored 110 off 93 balls, continuing his impressive form in the tournament, while Niazai remained unbeaten on 101 off 86 deliveries, accelerating sharply in the death overs to push Afghanistan past the 300-run mark.
Openers Osman Sadat and Khalid Ahmadzai provided a solid foundation with a 53-run partnership before Ahmadzai was dismissed for 31. Despite the early breakthrough by India’s Deepesh Devendran, Shinozada and Niazai forged a commanding 148-run partnership, shifting the momentum decisively in Afghanistan’s favor, as reported by Times of India. Deepesh Devendran (2/64) and Kanishk Chouhan (2/55) were India’s primary wicket-takers, but the Afghan batters’ patience and power ensured a daunting target.
Path to the U19 World Cup Final
India entered the semifinal as one of the tournament favorites, with a strong track record in U19 World Cups. The chase of 311 runs represented a significant challenge, especially given that the highest total ever successfully chased in an U19 World Cup knockout match was 245, achieved by India against South Africa in the 2024 semi-final. However, the aggressive start by Sooryavanshi and the subsequent composed yet attacking partnership between George and Mhatre demonstrated India’s intent to secure a spot in yet another final.
The collective batting effort underscored India’s depth and resilience in high-pressure situations, with George’s innings being a testament to his ability to perform on the big stage. The team’s strong position during the chase indicated their determination to overcome the significant target and continue their quest for the U19 World Cup title.
Aaron George’s impactful innings in the U19 World Cup semifinal highlighted his growing maturity and ability to anchor a challenging chase, crucial for India’s aspirations in a high-stakes knockout encounter.