India Storm into U-19 World Cup Final After Dominant Win Over Afghanistan
The IND vs AFG U19 Semi Final of the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 delivered a thrilling contest, but it was India’s batting firepower that ultimately stole the spotlight. Riding on a sensational century by Aaron George (115) and crucial half-centuries from Vaibhav Suryavanshi (68) and captain Ayush Mhatre (62), India defeated Afghanistan by seven wickets to secure a place in the final.
Chasing a formidable target of 311 runs, India produced one of their most composed and aggressive run chases in U-19 World Cup history, reaching the target in just 41.1 overs with three wickets down. With this emphatic victory, India booked a final showdown against England on February 6, setting up a blockbuster title clash.
Aaron George is the Player of the Match for his superb knock 👌
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 4, 2026
India U19 register the highest successful run-chase in ICC Men's U19 World Cups to clinch a 7️⃣-wicket win over Afghanistan U19 in the semi-final 🔝
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/rM2IsqdXXr#U19WorldCup pic.twitter.com/dHww5uf3iw
Match Overview: IND vs AFG U19 Semi Final
| Match | ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 – 2nd Semi Final |
|---|---|
| Teams | India U19 vs Afghanistan U19 |
| Venue | Neutral Venue |
| Result | India won by 7 wickets |
| Afghanistan Score | 310/4 (50 overs) |
| India Score | 311/3 (41.1 overs) |
| Player of the Match | Aaron George (India) |
| Final Opponent | England (Feb 6, 2026) |
Afghanistan’s Strong Batting Sets the Tone
Winning the toss, Afghanistan captain Mahebub Khan opted to bat first, a decision that initially paid dividends. The Afghan batters displayed maturity and patience, steadily building a competitive total against India’s disciplined bowling attack.
Openers Osman Sadat and Khalid Ahmadzai laid the foundation, negotiating the new ball cautiously before accelerating. Although Khalid Ahmadzai was dismissed for a useful 31, Afghanistan never lost momentum.
Faizal Shinazad and Uzairullah Anchor Afghanistan’s Innings
The backbone of Afghanistan’s innings came from Faizal Shinazad and Uzairullah Niazi, whose partnership turned the match into a high-scoring affair.
Key Afghanistan Batting Performances
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faizal Shinazad | 100 | 86 | 14 | 0 |
| Uzairullah Niazi | 101* | 86 | 12 | 2 |
| Osman Sadat | 39 | 70 | 3 | 0 |
| Khalid Ahmadzai | 31 | – | – | – |
Faizal reached his century with elegant stroke play, finding gaps consistently and punishing loose deliveries. Uzairullah complemented him perfectly, accelerating in the latter overs and remaining unbeaten on 101, ensuring Afghanistan crossed the 300-run mark.
Afghanistan Innings Progression
| Overs | Score | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 34 | 0 |
| 20 | 94 | 1 |
| 30 | 145 | 2 |
| 40 | 201 | 2 |
| 50 | 310 | 4 |
Despite India pulling things back slightly in the death overs, Afghanistan finished with an imposing 310/4, setting India a daunting chase in the IND vs AFG U19 Semi Final.
India’s Chase Begins with Fearless Intent
India’s response was nothing short of spectacular. Openers Aaron George and Vaibhav Suryavanshi came out with aggressive intent, immediately putting pressure on Afghanistan’s bowlers.
The duo raced to 36 runs in five overs without losing a wicket, setting the tone for the chase. Vaibhav, in particular, looked in devastating form, playing fearless strokes from the outset.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s Explosive Knock
Vaibhav Suryavanshi once again showcased why he is regarded as one of India’s brightest young talents. He reached his half-century in just 24 balls, smashing boundaries at will.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi – Innings Breakdown
| Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 68 | 33 | 9 | 4 |
His dismissal at 68 in the 10.3rd over finally gave Afghanistan a breakthrough, but by then, India had already surged to 92/1, firmly in control.
Aaron George and Ayush Mhatre Take Charge
After Vaibhav’s departure, captain Ayush Mhatre joined Aaron George at the crease. What followed was a masterclass in controlled aggression.
Aaron George played the anchor role initially before shifting gears, while Mhatre ensured the run rate never dipped. Together, they guided India past the 200-run mark in just 25 overs.
India Crosses Key Milestones with Ease
| Overs | Score | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | 128 | 1 |
| 20 | 163 | 1 |
| 25 | 201 | 1 |
| 30 | 245 | 2 |
| 39.3 | 300 | 3 |
The partnership dismantled Afghanistan’s bowling attack, mixing aggression with composure — a hallmark of championship-winning teams.
Captain Ayush Mhatre Leads from the Front
Ayush Mhatre, leading India in this high-pressure IND vs AFG U19 Semi Final, played a captain’s knock. His half-century came off just 43 balls, highlighted by powerful strokes over the boundary.
Ayush Mhatre Batting Stats
| Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62 | 59 | 5 | 4 |
Mhatre was dismissed at 202 runs, but by then, the match was firmly in India’s grasp.
Aaron George’s Magnificent Century Seals the Deal
Take a bow, Aaron George! 🙌
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 4, 2026
A magnificent century from the opening batter in a big game 👏
India U19 need 32 more runs to win.
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/rM2IsqdXXr#U19WorldCup pic.twitter.com/EKcNRpE3UK
The star of the evening, however, was Aaron George. Displaying remarkable maturity, the right-hander paced his innings perfectly before unleashing an array of strokes.
He brought up his century to loud applause, eventually scoring 115 runs off 104 balls, including 15 fours and 2 sixes.
Aaron George – Player of the Match Performance
| Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 115 | 104 | 15 | 2 |
George was dismissed at 300 runs, but the job was nearly done. India completed the chase shortly after, finishing at 311/3 in 41.1 overs.
India’s Batting Card
| Batsman | Runs |
|---|---|
| Aaron George | 115 |
| Vaibhav Suryavanshi | 68 |
| Ayush Mhatre | 62 |
| Others | Not Out |
What This Win Means for India
With this victory, India remains unbeaten in the tournament, having won all five matches so far. The team’s ability to chase a massive total under pressure highlights their depth, confidence, and championship pedigree.
The IND vs AFG U19 Semi Final will be remembered as one of India’s most dominant performances in U-19 World Cup history.
Final Showdown: India vs England
India will now face England in the U-19 World Cup 2026 Final on February 6. England reached the final after defeating Australia in the first semi-final.
The stage is set for a classic contest between two of the strongest youth teams in world cricket.
India U-19 Squad
| Player |
|---|
| Aaron George |
| Vaibhav Suryavanshi |
| Ayush Mhatre (Captain) |
| Vedant Trivedi |
| Vihan Manoj Malhotra |
| Abhigyan Abhishek Kundu |
| Kanishk Chauhan |
| Ambarish RS |
| Khilan Patel |
| Dipesh Devendran |
| Henil Patel |
Afghanistan U-19 Squad (Probable)
| Player |
|---|
| Faizal Khan |
| Uzairullah Niazi |
| Osman Sadat |
| Khalid Ahmadzai |
| Mehbub Taskin |
| Akil Khan |
| Others |
Conclusion
The IND vs AFG U19 Semi Final was a showcase of fearless cricket, young talent, and rising future stars. While Afghanistan deserves immense credit for posting a formidable total, India’s batting brilliance-led by Aaron George — proved unstoppable.
As the tournament heads into its grand finale, all eyes will be on whether this Indian U-19 side can cap off an incredible campaign by lifting the World Cup trophy.
IND vs AFG U19 Semi Final: Afghanistan Post Massive 310/4 as Young Stars Shine in World Cup Showdown
IND vs AFG U19 Semi Final: Afghanistan’s Under-19 team produced one of their finest batting performances on the global stage, piling up 310 runs for the loss of just four wickets against India in the high-pressure ind vs afg u19 semi final of the ICC Under-19 World Cup.
Batting first after winning the toss at the Harare Sports Club, Afghanistan displayed remarkable composure, tactical awareness, and attacking intent. Two centuries-one from Faizal Shinonzada and another unbeaten hundred from Uzairullah Niazai-powered Afghanistan to a total that immediately put India under severe pressure in a knockout contest.
With a place in the final at stake, the semi-final delivered quality cricket, key moments, and a statement performance from a team that continues to rise rapidly in international youth cricket.
INNINGS CHANGE! 🔁
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) February 4, 2026
Faisal Khan (110) and Uzairullah (101*) made magnificent hundreds as they pushed Afghanistan Future Stars' total to 310/4 runs at the end of the 1st inning of the ongoing semi-final against India U19s. 👏👏
Over to our bowling unit now…! 👍#FutureStars pic.twitter.com/3KLye4dmM4
Match Snapshot: IND vs AFG U19 Semi Final
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament | ICC Under-19 World Cup |
| Match | Semi-Final |
| Teams | India U19 vs Afghanistan U19 |
| Venue | Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe |
| Toss | Afghanistan won |
| Decision | Bat first |
| Afghanistan Score | 310/4 (50 overs) |
| Target for India | 311 runs |
Afghanistan’s Bold Toss Call Sets the Mood
Afghanistan captain Mahboob Khan showed confidence in his batting unit by opting to bat first on a surface that looked dry, firm, and ideal for stroke play. His assessment proved accurate as Afghanistan’s batters made full use of the conditions.
India skipper Ayush Mhatre stated before the match that his side was comfortable bowling first and placed faith in an unchanged XI, reflecting consistency and belief in the team combination that had carried India to the semi-final stage.
Calm Opening Phase Lays a Solid Base
Afghanistan’s innings began with patience rather than aggression. Openers Osman Sadat and Khalid Ahmadzai approached the first 10 overs with clarity, focusing on minimising risk while rotating the strike efficiently.
Powerplay Summary
| Overs | Runs | Wickets Lost |
|---|---|---|
| 1–10 | 42 | 0 |
India’s bowlers maintained discipline, especially Henil Patel, whose accuracy restricted scoring opportunities. Afghanistan, however, avoided mistakes and ensured no early setbacks.
Minor Injury Scare for India
Midway through the opening spell, Henil Patel suffered a minor blow while attempting to stop the ball during his follow-through. The impact caused a brief stoppage as he received medical attention, but he soon returned to continue bowling, easing concerns for India.
Opening Partnership Reaches Fifty
By the 12th over, Sadat and Ahmadzai had stitched together a valuable opening stand exceeding 50 runs. Their partnership neutralised the new ball and set a platform for Afghanistan’s middle order to build on.
India Break Through at Last
India finally claimed their first wicket in the 13th over, when Dipesh Devendran removed Khalid Ahmadzai, who departed after a well-made 31 runs. Wicketkeeper Abhigyan Kundu completed the catch cleanly behind the stumps.
Although the partnership ended, Afghanistan remained firmly in control.
Steady Progress Beyond 100
Afghanistan crossed the 100-run mark in the 21st over, with Osman Sadat anchoring the innings and rotating the strike smartly. The run rate remained healthy, keeping the pressure squarely on India.
Second Wicket Opens the Door for a Key Alliance
India struck again when Kanishk Chauhan dismissed Osman Sadat for 39, ending a 64-run stand. This wicket brought together Faizal Shinonzada and Uzairullah Niazai, a pairing that would soon dominate the match narrative.
| Wicket | Batter | Score | Bowler |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd | Osman Sadat | 39 | Kanishk Chauhan |
Faizal Shinonzada Takes Control
Faizal Shinonzada wasted little time in asserting himself. Playing with elegance and confidence, he found gaps effortlessly and punished loose deliveries.
He reached his half-century in just 49 balls, signalling Afghanistan’s intent to accelerate through the middle overs.
Afghanistan Cross 150 With Ease
By the 32nd over, Afghanistan moved past 150 runs, with Faizal and Niazai rotating strike and selectively attacking. India’s bowlers found it difficult to break the rhythm as the pair continued to build.
Third-Wicket Partnership Turns the Match
The partnership between Faizal and Niazai grew steadily, crossing 50 runs for the third wicket in the 35th over. Their understanding and shot selection ensured Afghanistan did not lose momentum at a crucial stage.
Faizal’s Second Consecutive World Cup Century
Faizal reached his century in the 43rd over, taking just 86 deliveries to do so. It marked his second hundred in successive matches, following his remarkable 163-run knock against Ireland earlier in the tournament.
His celebration, inspired by football star Cristiano Ronaldo, added flair to a special moment on the world stage.
Niazai Explodes Into Action
While Faizal played the aggressor, Uzairullah Niazai showcased composure mixed with timely aggression. He reached his fifty in the 44th over, hammering a six and then striking three boundaries in succession during one over.
Afghanistan surged past 200 runs in the 41st over, with both batters firmly in control.
Unbeaten Century for Niazai Seals a Big Finish
Niazai completed his century on the fourth ball of the final over, remaining 101 not out at the close of the innings. His calm finishing ensured Afghanistan maximised the final overs without sacrificing wickets.
India’s Bowlers Fight Back Late
Despite Afghanistan’s dominance, India found some success towards the end. Dipesh Devendran and Kanishk Chauhan claimed two wickets each, preventing Afghanistan from pushing the total beyond 320.
A rare moment occurred in the 17th over when a ball deflected off the wicketkeeper’s helmet and rolled to the boundary, resulting in nine runs from a single delivery—four byes plus five penalty runs.
Afghanistan Batting Summary
| Batter | Runs | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|
| Faizal Shinonzada | 110 | Out |
| Uzairullah Niazai | 101 | Not out |
| Osman Sadat | 39 | Out |
| Khalid Ahmadzai | 31 | Out |
| Others | 29 | — |
| Total | 310/4 | 50 overs |
Bowling Highlights for India
| Bowler | Wickets |
|---|---|
| Dipesh Devendran | 2 |
| Kanishk Chauhan | 2 |
Playing XIs
India U19
| Players |
|---|
| Ayush Mhatre (Captain) |
| Aaron George |
| Vaibhav Suryavanshi |
| Vihan Malhotra |
| Abhigyan Kundu (WK) |
| Vedant Trivedi |
| R.S. Ambarish |
| Kanishk Chauhan |
| Khilan Patel |
| Henil Patel |
| Dipesh Devendran |
Afghanistan U19
| Players |
|---|
| Mahboob Khan (Captain & WK) |
| Osman Sadat |
| Khalid Ahmadzai |
| Faizal Shinonzada |
| Uzairullah Niazai |
| Azizullah Miakhil |
| Abdul Aziz |
| Khatir Stanikzai |
| Ruhullah Arab |
| Nooristani Omarzai |
| Waheedullah Zadran |
Also read: Kanishk Chauhan Shines Again as India Beat Pakistan in U-19 World Cup Clash
What India Must Do in the Chase
A target of 311 in a semi-final demands discipline, patience, and calculated aggression. India will require a strong opening partnership, stability through the middle overs, and a composed finish to counter Afghanistan’s confidence.
The ind vs afg u19 semi final now presents India with one of their toughest challenges of the tournament.
Conclusion
Afghanistan’s performance was a powerful reminder of their rapid growth in world cricket. Twin centuries on a semi-final stage reflect a fearless mindset and growing technical depth within their youth system.
Regardless of the final result, the ind vs afg u19 semi final will be remembered as a landmark contest—one that showcased talent, belief, and the thrilling unpredictability of Under-19 cricket.