Under-19 World Cup 2026: India showcased an unflappable with the bat to beat Afghanistan and confirm their place in the final of the ICC Under-19 World Cup on Tuesday. The young Indian side showed grit and maturity, while rolling past the semi-final from start to finish to keep their title hopes firmly alive. Afghanistan, who had risen as one of the most promising sides of the tournament, shone brightly, as they posted 310/4 while batting first. But they struggled to cope with India’s disciplined approach. Their bowlers showed intent and energy, yet India’s batters steered the pressure situations with utter calmness and fulfilled their target keeping 7 wickets in hand and 50 balls to spare.
India broke 20-year-old record.
In this clash at the Harare Sports Club, India chased down a historic target of 311 runs in 41.1 overs, marking the highest target ever chased in the Under-19 World Cup. The previous record belonged to New Zealand, who chased down a target of 305 runs against Ireland in 2006. This achievement underscores India’s prowess in the tournament, which serves as a crucial platform for young cricketers worldwide. Vaibhav Suryavanshi gave India a flying start in the chase, adding 90 runs for the first wicket with Aroush George. Suryavanshi scored 68 runs off 33 balls with the help of nine fours and four sixes. He was dismissed by Nooristani Umarazai in the tenth over.
George then partnered with captain Ayush Mhatre (62 off 59 balls, five fours, four sixes) for a 114-run partnership for the second wicket. Umarazai dismissed Ayush in the 27th over, after which, George took charge. He played a brilliant innings of 115 runs off 104 balls, including 15 fours and two sixes. George was dismissed by Wahidullah Zadran in the 40th over. Vihaan Malhotra remained unbeaten on 38 runs off 47 balls, while Vedant Trivedi scored an unbeaten 5 runs off 6 balls. With this victory, India has secured a spot in the final for the tenth time, setting the stage for an exciting title clash against England on February 6. India is the most successful team in the tournament, having won the title five times.
Faisal & Uzairullah scored wonderful centuries
Earlier in the match, Afghanistan set a formidable target by winning the toss and electing to bat, scoring 310 runs for the loss of four wickets in their allotted 50 overs. This marked the first instance of a team scoring over 300 runs against India in the Under-19 World Cup, highlighting the competitive nature of the match and the challenge faced by the Indian team. Faisal Shinwari and Uzairullah Niazi scored centuries. Afghanistan got off to a good start. Usman Saadat (39) and Khalid Ahmadzai (31) added 53 runs for the first wicket. Deepesh Devendran dismissed Khalid in the 13th over.
Usman then partnered with Faisal for a 64-run partnership before becoming a victim of Kanishk Chauhan in the 25th over. Following this, Faisal and Uzairullah formed a formidable partnership, adding 148 runs for the third wicket. Faisal, in superb form, scored 110 runs off 93 balls, including 15 boundaries. This was his second century of the tournament. Faisal was bowled by Deepesh in the 46th over. Kanishk then dismissed Azizullah Miakhil (12) in the 49th over. Uzairullah remained unbeaten on 101 runs off 86 balls, hitting 12 fours and two sixes. He completed his century in the final over. Abdul Aziz remained unbeaten on 7 runs.
