Harare Sports Club witnessed batting brilliance as Afghanistan amassed 310 for 4 against India in the Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026 semifinal. Centuries from Faisal Shinwari (110) and Uzairullah Niyazi (101*) have left India with a steep 311-run victory target to storm into the final.
Electing to bat after winning the toss, Afghanistan’s innings kicked off brightly. The opening pair of Usman Sadat and Khalid Ahmadzai notched 53 in 12.2 overs. Ahmadzai departed after a brisk 31 (39 balls, 5×4), setting the stage for Shinwari and Sadat’s 64-run alliance that carried the score to three figures.
Sadat fell for 39 (70 balls, 3×4), but Shinwari and Niyazi took charge. Their 148-run third-wicket partnership in 130 balls dismantled India’s attack. Shinwari’s 93-ball ton included 15 fours, while Niyazi’s unbeaten 86-ball effort boasted 12 fours and 2 sixes.
Deepesh Devendran and Kanisk Chauhan starred for India with 2/xx each, but the Afghan middle order held firm. India’s Super Sixes dominance saw them crush Zimbabwe by 204 runs and Pakistan by 58, following wins over USA, Bangladesh, and New Zealand.
Afghanistan’s path included triumphs over South Africa, West Indies, Tanzania, and a resounding 191-run victory against Ireland after a setback to Sri Lanka. Playing XIs: India – Aaron George, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Ayush Mhatre (c), Vedant Trivedi, Vihan Malhotra, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), RS Ambarish, Kanisk Chauhan, Khilan Patel, Henil Patel, Deepesh Devendran.
Afghanistan – Usman Sadat, Khalid Ahmadzai, Faisal Shinwari, Uzairullah Niyazi, Mahboob Khan (c/wk), Azizullah Miakhil, Abdul Aziz, Khater Stanikzai, Rohullah Arab, Nooristani Umarzai, Wahidullah Jandran. The chase promises high drama.
