India Under-19 crushed Afghanistan Under-19 by seven wickets in a massive chase in the second semi-final of the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup at Harare. Afghanistan posted a huge total of 310/4 in 50 overs, powered by blazing centuries from Faisal Khan and Uzairullah Niazai. In reply, a classy century from Aaron George, a fearless 33-ball 68 from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and a calm half-century from captain Ayush Mhatre helped India chase down the target with ease.

Afghanistan Post Massive Total

Earlier, Afghanistan Under-19 piled up 310 for 4, thanks to brilliant centuries from Faisal Shinozada and Uzairullah Niazai. No team had ever chased such a big total in Under-19 World Cup history. At that stage, Afghanistan looked firmly in control.

Afghanistan’s Strong Start With the Bat

Earlier in the match, Afghanistan began steadily on a flat pitch in Harare. Openers Osman Sadat and Khalid Ahmadzai rotated the strike well. Ahmadzai found boundaries with elegant strokes and helped Afghanistan reach 42 for 0 after ten overs.

India finally broke through in the 13th over. Deepesh Devendran dismissed Ahmadzai for 31 with a delivery that cut back in.

Shinozada and Niazai Take Control

Shinozada then took charge. He looked fluent and confident. Afghanistan also benefited from five penalty runs after the ball hit the wicketkeeper’s helmet. The team reached 100 in the 22nd over.

Sadat threw his wicket away, but Shinozada and Niazai rebuilt calmly. Shinozada reached his fifty off 49 balls using innovative shots. Niazai played a supporting role early and rotated the strike.

Late Surge Pushes Afghanistan Past 300

Both batters accelerated in the final phase. Shinozada reached his second consecutive century and celebrated in style. Niazai followed with a powerful assault, hitting sixes and fours in the death overs.

Afghanistan scored 111 runs in the last ten overs. Niazai reached his century off 85 balls, while Shinozada was eventually bowled for 110. Afghanistan crossed the 300-run mark, believing they had done enough.

India’s Openers Set the Tone

However, India’s top order had other plans. George and Sooryavanshi came out with positive intent and attacked from the start. Both batters got early lifelines. George was dropped on 20, while Sooryavanshi was dropped on 22. Afghanistan soon paid the price.

The opening pair added 90 runs in just 57 balls. George played with elegance, while Sooryavanshi went after the bowlers aggressively. It was power at one end and control at the other.

Sooryavanshi Unleashes Brutal Attack

Sooryavanshi quickly shifted gears. He took on spinner Wahidullah Zadran, smashing him for boundaries. He then tore into Abdul Aziz, hitting multiple fours and a six. After being dropped early, he raced to a 50 off just 24 balls.

India surged to 73 without loss in seven overs, putting Afghanistan under huge pressure.

George Anchors, Mhatre Accelerates

George continued to bat with great composure. He drove cleanly and defended solidly. After Sooryavanshi fell to a bouncer, captain Ayush Mhatre walked in and kept the momentum alive.

Mhatre made an instant impact. His first two scoring shots were sixes. He followed them with a boundary. George reached his fifty off 52 balls, while Mhatre got his half-century in just 43 balls.

The two added a century partnership and took India past 200 inside 25 overs.

George’s Century Seals the Deal

Mhatre fell after a fine catch by Osman Sadat, but George stayed firm. He reached his hundred off 94 balls with a neat flick past mid-on. Although he got out with India just 11 runs away, the match was already decided.

India completed the chase in 41.1 overs, with 53 balls to spare, scripting history.

India Under-19 produced a stunning batting display to chase down a record target and book a place in their tenth Under-19 World Cup final. Afghanistan put a massive total on the scoreboard, but India proved its firepower with the bat. In particular, the way Vaibhav Sooryavanshi started the innings set the tone. In the end, India’s fearless batting made the massive target look manageable. Their top order dominated, handled pressure calmly, and rewrote Under-19 World Cup history with a record chase. India marched into the final with confidence, while Afghanistan were left to reflect on missed chances and dropped catches that proved costly.

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