India and Afghanistan clashed in the second semi-final of the ongoing ICC U19 World Cup on February 4, 2026. England U19 already defeated Australia U19 in the first semi-final to book their tickets in the final.
Afghanistan U19 captain Mahboob Khan won the toss and chose to bat first. Openers Osman Sadat (39) and Khalid Ahmadzai (31) added 52 runs for the first wicket in a sedated start. But their middle order clicked as Faisal Shinozada and Uzairullah Niazai added 148 runs for the third wicket.
Shinozada made 110 runs in 93 balls with 15 fours, while Uzairullah made 101* in 86 balls with 12 fours and 2 sixes, as Afghanistan U18 posted 310/4 in 50 overs. Deepesh Devendran and Kanishk Chouhan picked two wickets each for India.
India got a strong start as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smoked 68 in 33 balls with 9 fours and 4 sixes, setting the momentum in India’s favor. Aaron George kept on end occupied as they added 90 runs in 9.3 overs for the first wicket.
Ayush Mhatre’s bat was quiet for the majority of the tournament, but he rose to the occasion and made 62 runs, adding 114 runs for the second wicket. George, on the other hand, played a sublime knock of 115 with 15 fours and 2 sixes, as Vihaan Malhotra’s 38* took India past the finishing line in 41.1 overs, winning the match by 7 wickets.
This 311-run chase by India was the highest by any team in U19 World Cups, bettering New Zealand’s effort of 305 against Ireland in the 2006 edition. Aaron George was named the Player of the Match for his ton.
India U19 will now face England U19 in the final of the Youth World Cup on February 6 in Harare.
The Indian cricket fraternity was over the moon as India U19 qualified for the U19 World Cup final for a record 10th time.
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