India beat Afghanistan in 2nd semifinal of u19 World Cup [Source: @BCCI/X]In a remarkable achievement, the Indian team entered the final of the under-19 World Cup 2026, as they swatted aside Afghanistan in the second semifinal of the competition. Batting first, Afghanistan u19 posted a daunting total of 311 runs, riding on spectacular centuries from Faisal Shinozada and Uzairullah Niazai. In response, India chased the target inside 42 overs, securing a memorable seven-wicket victory in the all-important knockout clash. With this win, the Ayush Mhatre-led Indian team entered the final, setting the date with an in-form England team in the tournament's final. Faisal Shinozada and Uzairullah Niazai powered Afghanistan to a mammoth totalAfter winning the toss, Afghanistan captain Mahboob Khan elected to bat first in the high-pressure semifinal clash against India. His decision proved to be a masterstroke, as the Afghan openers made the most of the conditions at the Harare Sports Club, stitching an impactful stand of 53 runs for the first wicket. Deepesh Devendran, India's go-to first-change bowler, drew the first blood for them, dismissing Khalid Ahmadzai, who struck four boundaries and a six for his 39-ball 31. His opening partner, Osman Sadat took 70 balls for his 39-run knock; however, Faisal Shinozada ensured Afghanistan didn't lose the momentum with his scintillating stroke play. The promising batter hammered 15 boundaries for his 93-ball 110, playing a pivotal role in Afghanistan's impressive batting performance in the match. He formed a massive 148-run partnership with Afghanistan's number four batter, Uzairullah Niazai, who also belted twelve glorious boundaries and two massive sixes, scoring 101 runs off just 86 balls. The valiant effort of these two batters propelled the Afghans to 310 in 50 overs. Kanishk Chouhan was the pick of the bowlers for India, scalping two wickets for 55 runs. Aaron George century, Suryavanshi and Mhatre fifties took India past finish lineConsidering India were chasing 311 in the semifinal, they needed a formidable start from Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Aaron George. As expected, Suryavanshi took the challenge head-on, decimating the Afghanistan bowling attack with his all-around stroke play. The swashbuckling southpaw smashed 68 runs off just 33 deliveries, setting the perfect foundation for India to chase the total. His knock, glittered with nine boundaries and four sixes, allowed Aaron George to play his natural game and frustrate the opposition with strategic strike rotation. After Suryavanshi fell prey to a sharp body-line delivery from Nooristani Omarzai, captain Ayush Mhatre carried the Indian innings forward with Aaron George. The stylish duo added 114 runs for the second wicket, turning the chase into mere formality for India. Mhatre, who had blown hot and cold until this match, rediscovered his mojo with a match-winning fifty right before the final. Meanwhile, George piled up a century, showcasing his ability to thrive under crunch situations. India vs England to cross swords in under-19 World Cup finalLed by Thomas Rew, England defeated Australia by 27 runs in the first semifinal. Now, with India winning the second semi against the Afghans, both teams will lock horns in a high-octane final, to be played on February 6.
