India’s Under-19 cricketers delivered an unforgettable performance, chasing the highest target in tournament history to beat Afghanistan by seven wickets and advance to the 2026 World Cup final. The semi-final at Harare Sports Club will be remembered for years.
Afghanistan set a daunting 310/4 after opting to bat. Early losses of openers left them at 117/2, but Uzairullah Niyazi’s unbeaten 101 (86 balls, 12×4, 2×6) and Faisal Shinwari’s explosive 110 (93 balls, 15×4) added 148 runs crucially. India’s bowlers Deepesh Devendran and Kanisk Chauhan picked two scalps apiece.
In reply, India cruised home in 41.1 overs. Opener Aaron George crafted a brilliant 115 (104 balls), while Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s 68 off 33 balls provided acceleration. Skipper Ayush Mhatre’s steady 62 ensured no dramas. This surpassed New Zealand’s 305 against Ireland in 2006, with South Africa’s 294 and West Indies’ 292 next.
Total runs of 621 rank second in playoff history, behind 2004’s Australia-Ireland clash (631). For the 10th time, India enters the decider, facing England on February 6. This victory highlights resilience and skill, positioning India as favorites.