Harare, February 4: India secured a spot in the U19 World Cup 2026 final by defeating Afghanistan by seven wickets, thanks to a stellar century from Aaron George. This marks India’s tenth appearance in the championship match, where they will face England on February 6.
Afghanistan, winning the toss and opting to bat at Harare Sports Club, posted a formidable total of 310 runs, losing four wickets. The opening pair of Usman Sadat and Khalid Ahmadzai provided a strong start, contributing 53 runs for the first wicket before Ahmadzai was dismissed for 31.
Sadat then partnered with Faisal Shinwzada to add 64 runs for the second wicket, bringing the score to 117, with Sadat scoring 39 runs. After losing two wickets at 117, Shinwzada formed a significant partnership with Uzaireullah Niyazi, adding 148 runs off 130 balls to propel the team to a challenging total.
Shinwzada scored 110 runs off 93 balls, hitting 15 fours, while Niyazi remained unbeaten on 101 runs from 86 balls, including two sixes and 12 fours. For India, Deepesh Devendran and Kanishk Chauhan each took two wickets.
Chasing the massive target, India achieved victory in just 41.1 overs. Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Aaron George forged a crucial partnership of 90 runs in 9.3 overs. Vaibhav scored 68 runs off 33 balls, featuring four sixes and nine fours, before being dismissed.
Following this, George and captain Ayush Mhatre added 114 runs for the second wicket, pushing the score past 200. Captain Mhatre scored 62 runs off 59 balls, including four sixes and five fours. George then partnered with Vihan Malhotra, adding 96 runs for the third wicket, bringing India closer to victory.
George scored 115 runs off 104 balls, hitting two sixes and 15 fours, before being dismissed. Malhotra finished the match with an unbeaten 38 runs off 47 balls, leading India to a comfortable win. For Afghanistan, Nooristani Umarzai took two wickets, while Waheedullah Zadran claimed one.
