AFG Under-19 vs IND Under-19 Semi-Final: What a Game!

That second semi-final of the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup back on February 4, 2026, at Harare Sports Club? Seriously, one for the books. Afghanistan Under-19 smashed 310 for 4, with two amazing centuries. But India Under-19 just went out and crushed it, winning by seven wickets with almost nine overs to spare. Crazy!

This game wasn’t just about hitting and bowling; it showed how brave, mentally strong, and smart these young players are these days. India’s crazy chase got them to their tenth Under-19 World Cup final and showed everyone who’s boss.

Afghanistan Under-19 Put Up a Big Score

Afghanistan Under-19 started out cool and collected after choosing to bat. Their first guys up did a good job of not letting things fall apart early on a good batting pitch in Harare. Osman Sadat and Khalid Ahmadzai kept the scoreboard ticking and handled the Indian bowlers okay.

After Ahmadzai got out, Faisal Shinozada really got going. He showed why everyone was talking about him in the tournament. He got 110 runs off 93 balls just by timing the ball well, putting it in the right spots, and playing steady. Anything short or wide, he smashed, and he really knew how to pace his hitting.

Shinozada and Niazai Take Over

Then Uzairullah Niazai came in, and things really changed. They worked together, being careful but also going for it, so they kept the runs coming without losing wickets. That partnership messed up India’s bowling plans and really annoyed the guys in the field.

Shinozada got to his hundred with some great shots, putting the ball where he wanted, and Niazai just went wild in the last few overs. Niazai ended up with 101 not out off 86 balls, hitting some really clean shots and picking his moments well, especially against the spin bowlers.

Afghanistan racked up 111 runs in the last ten overs, ending up at 310 for 4. It looked like a way-more-than-decent score, especially in a World Cup semi-final where the pressure often makes teams play it safe.

India Under-19 Face a Huge Task

No one had ever chased down 311 in an Under-19 World Cup knockout game before. The pressure was on, and Afghanistan went into the break feeling good. But India came out swinging, not scared at all.

Aaron George and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had a definite plan. Right from the start, you could tell India wasn’t just trying to survive; they wanted to take charge. They started hitting boundaries early, taking the heat off Afghanistan’s fast bowlers and making them switch things up.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Big Hitting

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi played an awesome innings. His 68 off just 33 balls totally flipped the game around. He went after both spinners and fast bowlers, moving around the crease well and playing with so much nerve for a young player.

Sooryavanshi got his half-century in only 24 balls, leaving Afghanistan reeling. When he got out, it gave Afghanistan a bit of hope, but the run rate needed had dropped a lot, and India was in charge.

Aaron George Holds the Chase Together

While Sooryavanshi was smashing it, Aaron George played it cool and controlled. His 115 off 104 balls was the key to India’s chase. George timed his hitting perfectly, handling the pressure when it was there and speeding things up when he needed to.

He was dropped early on, and he made Afghanistan regret it. His cover drives, flicks, and the way he kept his cool made sure India stayed on track. He got to his century in style, making it one of the greatest innings ever in the Under-19 World Cup.

Captain Ayush Mhatre Adds to the Fire

Ayush Mhatre, the Indian captain, assisted well with a well-played 62. Following Sooryavanshi’s dismissal, he ensured there was no dip in momentum. The partnership between Mhatre and George showed trust, communication, and calculated plans.

Mhatre’s leadership was on display not just in his hitting but in his calm presence which led India to the win.

India Finishes the Job

Even after George got out with the target almost reached. Vihaan Malhotra stayed steady as India won the game in just over 41 overs. India made the chase look doable.

Winning with almost nine overs left in a semi-final proves how deep India’s batting goes and how fearless they are.

Match Achievements and Records

This game hit some new milestones. India had the high score in Under-19 World Cup history. Aaron George is now a top performer. Afghanistan now has two centurions in the same tournament.

Despite the loss, Afghanistan’s showed they can play youth cricket.

Controversies and Key Points

There weren’t any big issues, but Afghanistan dropping catches hurt big time. Letting George and Sooryavanshi off early changed the game. The penalty runs also helped AFG.

My Thoughts

This semi-final let everyone in on team India Under-19. Being different can get you far in life and in this case the team redefined the meaning possible. Afghanistan played awesome cricket and might have won again most teams, but India’s batting was next level.

Predictions

Aaron George will play great with his form. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi can keep up if someone needs the runs. Ayush Mhatre needs his leadership against other teams.

For Afghanistan, Faisal Shinozada and Uzairullah Niazai has scouts in their sights and could win in the ICC tournament.

In Conclusion

The AFG Under-19 vs IND Under-19 semi-final is talked about in this game. This tells us what to prepare for, to play Under-19 cricket. India celebrated a win, while Afghanistan respected their loses.

Matches makes people known and create more for the game.