India booked their place in the final of the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026 with a commanding seven-wicket win over Afghanistan in the semifinal at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.
Chasing a stiff target of 311, which is the highest successful run chase in Under-19 World Cup history, India produced a confident batting display led by centuries and half-centuries from their young stars.
Aaron George smashed century against Afghanistan
Opening batter Aaron George played the innings of his life, scoring a superb 115 to anchor the chase. He was well supported by aggressive knocks from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre, who both scored fluent half-centuries to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre smashed half-centuries
India got off to a flying start as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi attacked the Afghan bowlers early. The left-hander smashed 68 runs off just 33 balls before being dismissed by Nooristani Omarzai. Ayush Mhatre then took charge in the middle overs, scoring a composed 62.
Aaron George held one end firmly and brought up a well-deserved century, guiding India close to the target. George was eventually dismissed for 115 when India needed only 11 runs from 63 balls. Vedant Trivedi and Vihaan Malhotra then calmly finished the chase as India crossed the line with plenty of overs to spare.
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Afghanistan's innings
Earlier in the day, Afghanistan put up a strong batting performance to post 310 for four, thanks to brilliant centuries from Faisal Shinozada and Uzairullah Niazai.
Faisal top-scored with a classy 110 off 93 balls, while Niazai remained unbeaten on 101 from 86 deliveries. The duo dominated the Indian bowling attack and stitched together a massive partnership for the third wicket.
Afghanistan had started steadily, with openers Osman Sadat and Khalid Ahmadzai adding 53 runs. The first breakthrough came in the 13th over when pacer Deepesh Devendran dismissed Ahmadzai, who scored 31 off 39 balls.
Sadat and Faisal then added 64 runs for the second wicket before spinner Kanishk Chouhan struck at the start of the 25th over. Sadat was caught at long-off after a mistimed shot, ending his innings on 39 off 70 balls.
Faisal later found solid support from Niazai, and the duo punished the Indian bowlers with ease. Faisal hit 15 boundaries, while Niazai struck 12 fours and two sixes to take Afghanistan past the 300-run mark.
With this win, India sealed their sixth appearance in an Under-19 World Cup final. They will now face England in the title clash on February 6.