Harare Sports Club witnessed a masterclass from India’s Aaron George, whose 115-run knock led the defending champions to a 7-wicket demolition of Afghanistan in the U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 semi-final. With this win, India advances to their record 10th final, scheduled against England on February 6.
Afghanistan set a challenging 310/4 after opting to bat. The innings began steadily with openers Usman Sadat (39) and Khalid Ahmadzai (31) putting on 53. Sadat and Faisal Shinwari then added 64, taking the score to 117/2.
Shinwari’s aggressive 110 (93 balls, 15×4) and Niyazi’s unbeaten 101 (86 balls, 12×4, 2×6) formed a match-defining 148-run partnership. India’s bowlers Deepesh Devendran and Kanisk Chauhan struck twice each, but the total loomed large.
India’s reply was ferocious. Vaibhav Suryavanshi blazed 68 off 33 (9×4, 4×6) in a 90-run powerplay burst with George. Post Suryavanshi’s exit, George united with skipper Ayush Mhatre for 114 runs, propelling India past 200.
Mhatre’s 62 (59 balls, 5×4, 4×6) ended, but George pressed on, scoring 115 (104 balls, 15×4, 2×6) alongside Vihaan Malhotra’s steady 38* (47 balls). The chase concluded in 41.1 overs. Afghanistan’s Nooristani Umarzai grabbed 2 scalps.
This triumph underlines India’s batting prowess and resilience under pressure. As they gear up for England, the subcontinent’s cricket faithful dream of silverware once more.
