India Storm Into U19 World Cup Final with Seven-Wicket Win Over Afghanistan
Aaron George's 115 and Vaibhav Suryavanshi's blistering 68 power five-time champions to title clash against England on February 6
India cruised into the ICC Men's Under-19 World Cup 2026 final with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the second semi-final at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. The five-time champions chased down a stiff target of 311 runs in just 41.1 overs.
India will face England in the final on February 6 in Harare. England defeated Australia by 27 runs in the first semi-final.
Aaron George Stars with Brilliant Century
Aaron George played the match-winning knock, scoring an unbeaten 115 runs to anchor India's successful chase. His composed innings ensured India maintained momentum throughout the pursuit.
Opening partner Vaibhav Suryavanshi provided a blistering start, smashing 68 runs off just 33 balls with nine fours and four sixes. He reached his fifty in a mere 24 balls before being caught by Osman Sadat off Nuristani Umarzai.
The opening pair added 90 runs for the first wicket, setting the foundation for India's comfortable win.
Afghanistan Post Imposing Total
Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat, posting 310 for four wickets on the back of twin centuries.
Batsman | Runs | Balls | Boundaries |
Faisal Shinozada | 110 | 96 | 15 fours |
Uzairullah Niazai | 101* | 86 | 12 fours, 2 sixes |
Osman Sadat | 39 | ||
Khalid Ahmadzai | 31 |
Shinozada and Niazai added 148 runs for the third wicket, troubling Indian bowlers. Kanishk Chauhan claimed two wickets for India.
India's Unbeaten Run
India remains undefeated in the tournament, having beaten USA, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Zimbabwe (by 204 runs), and Pakistan (by 58 runs) en route to the final.