Harare: History meets opportunity as India take on Afghanistan in the second semi-final of the 2026 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday, with a place in the final at stake.
Five-time champions India, the most successful side in the tournament’s history, are chasing a sixth Under-19 World Cup title and a sixth consecutive appearance in the final. Standing in their way are a confident Afghanistan side, eyeing not only their maiden title but also their first-ever entry into a U-19 World Cup final.
Afghanistan’s impressive rise
Led by Mahboob Khan, Afghanistan have scripted an impressive campaign so far. Drawn in a tough group alongside South Africa, West Indies and Tanzania, they emerged unbeaten, topping the group and carrying four points into the Super Six stage.
Their only setback came against Sri Lanka in the Super Six, but Afghanistan responded emphatically, thrashing Ireland by 191 runs to seal qualification.
They finished second in Group 1, ahead of Sri Lanka on the standings.
With the bat, left-hander Faisal Khan has shouldered the bulk of the responsibility, while Osman Sadat has chipped in with crucial runs. Captain Khalid Ahmadzai, however, has struggled for consistency after a promising 74 in the opener.
Contrary to their reputation, it has been Afghanistan’s pace attack that has dominated this tournament. The fast bowlers have claimed 25 wickets, compared to 14 by the spinners. Nooristani has led the charge, ably supported by Khatir Stanikzai and Abdul Aziz, while spinners Wahid Zadran and Rohullah Arab have played a controlling role despite modest wicket tallies.
India’s steady march
India, led by Ayush Mhatre, remain unbeaten in the competition. They opened with wins over the USA and Bangladesh before outclassing New Zealand to top their group. Comfortable victories over Zimbabwe followed, while Pakistan stretched them in a high-pressure Super Six encounter, which India still managed to win.
At the top of the order, India have experimented with combinations. While Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been the standout with 196 runs, Mhatre and Aaron George are yet to make a significant impact. The middle order, however, has repeatedly bailed the side out, with Abhigyan Kundu, Vihaan Malhotra and Vedant Trivedi delivering timely contributions.
In bowling, Henil Patel has been the standout performer, with R.S. Ambrish also impressing. Spinner Khilan A. Patel has led the spin attack, while India’s all-round depth has allowed part-timers like Mhatre and Malhotra to play useful supporting roles.
A clash of belief and experience
India enter the semi-final with perfect recent form (WWWWW), while Afghanistan have won four of their last five (WLWWW). On paper, India may hold a slight edge due to their exposure to high-pressure cricket through domestic tournaments, overseas tours and age-group leagues.
However, Afghanistan will draw confidence from last year’s triangular series in India, where they beat Indian A and B sides — featuring several players from the current U-19 squad — three times en route to the final.
With experience on one side and belief on the other, the semi-final promises to be a gripping contest where execution on the day, rather than reputation, could determine who advances to the final.
The winner of the second semi-final between India and Afghanistan will face England in the final of the 2026 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup.
Source: ICC
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