U19 World Cup 2026 Semi-Final Highlights: India March Into Final With Record Chase Against Afghanistan. India U19 produced a memorable batting performance to defeat Afghanistan U19 in the U19 World Cup 2026 semifinal. The high-scoring encounter, played at Harare Sports Club, kept fans engaged throughout. Afghanistan U19 won the toss and decided to bat first on a flat surface. They posted a huge total of 310 for 4 in 50 overs. Their innings was powered by two outstanding centuries.
Faisal Khan led the charge at the top of the order. He scored a brilliant 110 runs off 93 balls. His innings included smart stroke play and consistent boundary hitting. Uzairullah Niazai added more pressure on the Indian bowlers. He remained unbeaten on 101 from 86 balls. The pair dominated the middle overs with ease. Osman Sadat played a supporting role in the innings. He scored 39 runs from 70 deliveries. Afghanistan maintained a strong scoring rate throughout.
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India’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs. Kanishk Chouhan finished with 2 for 55 in 9 overs. Deepesh Devendran claimed 2 for 64 in 10 overs. The pitch offered little help to the bowlers. Chasing 311 runs, India U19 began the innings with attacking intent. The openers made full use of the powerplay overs. Pressure quickly shifted towards the Afghan side.
India’s Record-Breaking Chase
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi played a stunning cameo at the top. He smashed 68 runs off just 33 balls. His aggressive knock raised hopes of a successful chase. Aaron George then anchored the innings with great composure. He played a match-winning knock of 115 runs from 104 balls. His innings was filled with calm running and clean boundaries. Ayush Mhatre supported him well during the chase. He scored a valuable 62 runs off 59 balls. Their partnership took the game away from Afghanistan.
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India reached 311 for 3 in 41.1 overs. 311/3 is the highest successful run-chase in Under-19 World Cup knockouts. They completed the chase with plenty of overs remaining. The final run rate stayed comfortably above seven. Afghanistan U19 tried different bowling combinations. However, breakthroughs came too late to change the result. Aaron George was named Player of the Match for his brilliant century. India U19 won the semifinal by seven wickets. With this victory, India qualified for the World Cup final against England.