Harare: India U19 produced a scintillating display of batting brilliance to register the highest successful run-chase in ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup history, defeating Afghanistan U19 by seven wickets in a pulsating semi-final at Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe on Wednesday.
With this win, India have booked their spot in the ICC U19 World Cup final for the 10th time in 16 editions, where they will face England U19.
India’s top order set the tone with a blistering start. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed a sublime 68 off just 33 balls, while Aaron George contributed a masterful 115 off 104 deliveries. The duo raced to 90 runs in the first 10 overs, virtually breaking the back of the chase.
Ayush Mhatre then took the attack to Afghanistan bowlers, scoring his second half-century of the tournament and forming a dominant 114-run partnership with George. With all of India’s top four contributing significantly, the chase was completed with nearly nine overs to spare, highlighting India’s depth and firepower. George was deservedly named Player of the Match for his match-winning knock of 115 runs.
Afghanistan U19 had earlier posted a massive total, powered by twin centuries from Faisal Khan and Uzairullah Niazai, who stitched together a commanding 148-run partnership for the third wicket. Their late surge—111 runs in the final 10 overs—kept the scoreboard ticking, though India’s bowlers, led by D. Deepesh and Kanishk Chouhan, managed to claim a few key wickets. However, the death bowling remains a concern that India will need to address before the final.
With this emphatic victory, India U19 are now eyeing a record-extending sixth ICC U19 World Cup title, carrying the momentum of a statement-making performance into the final against England. Afghanistan U19, despite their valiant effort, will have to wait for another opportunity to lift the trophy.
Source: ICC
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