India Storm Into U19 World Cup Final 2026 After Record Chase Against Afghanistan

India Under-19 beat Afghanistan Under-19 by seven wickets in Harare to book their place in the final of the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026.

This will be India’s 10th U19 World Cup final, once again showing the depth and strength of their junior cricket system.

Afghanistan, after choosing to bat, put up an imposing 310 for 4 and looked in control for most of the first innings.

Faisal Shinozada led the charge with a fluent 110 off 93 balls, while Uzairullah Niazai remained unbeaten on 101 off 86 to push Afghanistan past the 300 mark.

Openers Osman Sadat and Khalid Ahmadzai also played their part, adding stability early with scores of 39 and 31 respectively.

Indian bowlers Deepesh Devendran and Kanishk Chouhan picked up key wickets in the middle overs, but the damage had already been done.

Chasing 311, India produced their highest-ever successful chase in U19 World Cup history, finishing the job in just 41.1 overs.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi set the tone with an explosive 68 off 33 balls, attacking from ball one and keeping the run rate above seven an over.

At the other end, Aaron George played the anchor role to perfection, scoring a classy 115 off 104 balls with calm and control.

Ayush Mhatre, who had struggled for rhythm earlier in the tournament, stepped up when it mattered most with a vital 62 off 59 balls.

Aaron and Ayush added a match-defining 114-run partnership that took the game firmly away from Afghanistan.

Earlier, Aaron had also stitched together a solid 96-run stand with Vihan Malhotra for the third wicket, ensuring there were no late jitters.

India crossed the line with plenty to spare, turning what looked like a steep chase into a surprisingly comfortable win.

With this victory, India set up a title clash against England Under-19 cricket team in the final on Friday.

The second semi-final in Harare summed up India’s fearless batting approach and depth, qualities that will now be tested in the summit clash.