India Storm into Under-19 World Cup 2026 Final After Record 311-Run Chase vs Afghanistan

The second semi-final match of the Under-19 World Cup 2026 was between India and Afghanistan. In this match, India created history by comfortably chasing a record-breaking total of 311 runs at the Harare Sports Club, courtesy of a brilliant century by Aaron George.

Afghanistan, batting first, made 310 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in 50 overs. India achieved this massive target easily, losing just 3 wickets in 41.1 overs. With this, India booked their spot in the final with 8 wickets remaining. India will now face England in the final on the 6th of February and will try to lift their 6th title. George made 115 runs in 104 balls, including 2 sixes and 15 fours. Vaibhav Suryavanshi scored 68 runs off 33 balls, captain Ayush Mhatre scored 62 runs off 59 balls, and Vihaan Malhotra scored an unbeaten 38 runs off 47 balls. Nuristani Omarzai took two wickets for Afghanistan.

Earlier, Afghanistan scored 310 runs for the loss of four wickets in their 50 overs, thanks to centuries from Faisal Shinozada and Uzairullah Niazi. The opening pair of Usman Sadat and Khalid Ahmadzai provided a solid start, scoring 53 runs in 12.2 overs.

Ahmadzai was dismissed for 31 off 39 balls with 5 boundaries. Faisal Shinozada then added 64 runs for the second wicket with Sadat to take the team past the century mark. Sadat scored 39 off 70 balls with 3 fours. From there, Shinozada, along with Uzairullah Niazi, added 148 runs for the third wicket in 130 balls to take the team to a huge total.

Shinozada was dismissed for 110 off 93 balls with 15 fours, while Niazi remained unbeaten on 101 off 86 balls with 2 sixes and 12 fours. For India, Deepesh Devendran and Kanishk Chauhan took two wickets each.