Indian team continued their dominant run at the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026, securing a place in the final with a convincing seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan U19 in the second semifinal at the Harare Sports Club. Chasing a formidable total on a used pitch, India produced one of their most clinical batting displays of the tournament to reach the title match, where they will face England U19.
Afghanistan post imposing total
Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first, immediately taking the initiative against a potent Indian bowling attack. The hosts capitalised on good batting conditions and put together a commanding total of 310 for 4 in their 50 overs, powered by two impressive centuries. Both Faisal Shinozada and Uzairullah Niazai produced standout knocks, with each batter reaching triple figures and frustrating the Indian bowlers with powerful strokeplay and intelligent placement. Responding to constant pressure and high scoring, India faced one of their sternest tests of the tournament before beginning their chase.
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Indian batters delivered with authority
India began their reply with controlled aggression, never allowing required-run pressure to build. Vaibhav Suryavanshi set the tone with a rapid 68 off 33 balls, striking regularly and keeping the scoreboard ticking through the crucial early overs. His power hitting reduced the challenge of the steep required rate.
Captain Ayush Mhatre then took command, steadying the innings and moving India closer to the target with a composed 62, blending patience with calculated aggression. His leadership at the crease ensured India remained on the front foot throughout the middle overs.
The defining performance came from Aaron George, whose unbeaten 115 off 104 balls anchored the chase with a blend of timing, range and temperament. George’s innings included decisive boundaries when pressure was high and kept India on track to overhaul the large total. His century was the backbone of India’s dominance and earned him the player-of-the-match accolade.
By reaching 311 for 3 in 41.1 overs, India recorded one of the highest successful run chases in Under-19 World Cup knockout history and secured their spot in the final with authority.
Dominance built on consistent form
India entered the semifinal unbeaten in the tournament, carrying momentum from victories in the Super Six stage, including a 58-run win over Pakistan, and a clinical performance against Zimbabwe earlier in the competition. Their collective batting depth and bowling balance have been major factors in their undefeated run and now propels them toward a record 10th World Cup final appearance.
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Statistically, India also have a strong head-to-head record against Afghanistan at the youth level, historically dominating contests in this age group, a trend reinforced by today’s result.
What’s next: Final showdown with England
With this emphatic win, India U19 will face England U19 in the World Cup final, a clash that promises to be a fitting culmination to a tournament defined by high scoring, tactical battles and standout individual performances. India’s blend of firepower and tactical discipline positions them as favourites, but a title victory will require their best cricket yet against a fellow unbeaten side. Having won the U19 World Cups in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018 & 2022, India are on the quest of record-extending 6th title.
