Quick Read
- India chased Afghanistan’s 310/4 in the U19 World Cup 2026 semi-final.
- Aaron George scored 95 runs, while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi blasted 68 off 33 balls for India.
- Captain Ayush Mhatre contributed 62 runs, steadying India’s chase.
- Afghanistan’s innings saw centuries from Faisal Shinozada (110) and Uzairullah Niazai (101*).
- India was in a commanding position, needing 43 runs from 90 balls at one point to secure victory.
HARARE (Azat TV) – India’s Under-19 cricket team delivered a commanding performance against Afghanistan in the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 semi-final at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Opener Aaron George led the charge, closing in on a century with a score of 95, as India confidently pursued Afghanistan’s formidable target of 310 runs, placing them firmly on the path to yet another U19 World Cup final.
The Indian chase began with an explosive start, as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi blasted 68 runs off just 33 balls, setting a rapid pace alongside Aaron George in a 90-run opening stand that concluded in only 57 deliveries. Despite Sooryavanshi’s dismissal, captain Ayush Mhatre joined George, maintaining the high tempo. Mhatre contributed a crucial 62 runs from 59 balls, securing his half-century at a critical juncture after a period of mixed form in the tournament. India’s aggressive batting ensured they remained significantly ahead of the required run rate throughout their innings, needing only 43 runs from 90 balls at one stage, signaling a dominant victory.
India’s Dominant Chase
India’s pursuit of 310 was characterized by strategic aggression and strong partnerships. After Sooryavanshi’s early onslaught, Aaron George continued to anchor the innings, reaching his half-century in 52 deliveries and steadily progressing towards a century. His composed batting, combined with Mhatre’s timely fifty, kept Afghanistan’s bowlers under constant pressure. Vihaan Malhotra then joined George, ensuring no let-up in the scoring rate, as India appeared menacing and overwhelming favorites to advance to the final, as reported by The Indian Express.
The Indian batting lineup showcased depth and resilience, effectively neutralizing Afghanistan’s bowling attack, which had been a significant strength for them earlier in the tournament. India’s ability to maintain a high scoring rate, even after losing key wickets, demonstrated their intent and capability to handle a challenging chase, surpassing the highest total ever chased in an U19 World Cup knockout match, which was previously 245 by India against South Africa in the 2024 edition.
Afghanistan’s Strong Batting Effort
Earlier in the day, after winning the toss and electing to bat first, Afghanistan posted an imposing total of 310 for 4 in their allotted 50 overs. Their innings was built on two magnificent centuries from Faisal Shinozada and Uzairullah Niazai. Shinozada, who has been a standout performer in the tournament, scored 110 runs off 93 balls, marking his second consecutive century and solidifying his position as the highest run-scorer in the World Cup. He celebrated his milestone with a distinctive Cristiano Ronaldo celebration, as noted by The Times of India.
Uzairullah Niazai provided crucial acceleration in the latter half of the innings, remaining unbeaten on 101 runs off 86 deliveries, despite receiving treatment for a left arm injury. Niazai’s aggressive knock included 12 fours and two sixes, ensuring Afghanistan took 111 runs in the last 10 overs. Openers Osman Sadat and Khalid Ahmadzai also laid a solid foundation with a 53-run partnership, before Shinozada and Niazai stitched together a commanding 148-run stand that decisively swung momentum in Afghanistan’s favor. For India, Deepesh Devendran (2/64) and Kanishk Chouhan (2/55) were the only wicket-takers, while Khilan Patel proved to be the most economical bowler.
Key Performances and Tournament Context
The semi-final clash highlighted several individual performances that defined the match. For India, Aaron George’s near-century and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s rapid 68 runs were pivotal in setting the tone for the chase. Sooryavanshi, despite a tournament history of ‘unfulfilled potential’ with a string of starts but few anchor innings, delivered an explosive performance that provided the crucial early momentum. Captain Ayush Mhatre’s return to form with a half-century was also a significant boost for the team.
On the Afghan side, the centuries by Faisal Shinozada and Uzairullah Niazai underscored their batting prowess and ability to post a challenging total. Shinozada’s consistent high-scoring throughout the tournament positioned him as a key player, while Niazai’s late surge ensured Afghanistan reached a score that historically would be difficult to chase in a knockout match. Despite Afghanistan’s robust total, India’s top-order batting proved superior on the day, demonstrating their consistent strength in U19 cricket on the global stage.
The dominant nature of India’s chase, particularly against a formidable target and strong Afghan bowling attack, underscores their depth and strategic execution, reinforcing their status as a perennial powerhouse in the Under-19 World Cup and signaling a strong contender for the 2026 title.