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.

Electing to field after winning the toss, Zimbabwe watched helplessly as India raced to 352/8. Malhotra’s 107-ball knock, featuring 7 fours, set the tone. The opener’s composure under pressure was key to building a daunting target.

Abhijnan Kundu shone bright with 61 off 62, his 5 fours and a six punctuating a vital 113-run stand with Malhotra for the fifth wicket. This partnership proved decisive, pushing India past 350.

Zimbabwe’s chase unraveled dramatically. Leroy Chivola top-scored with 62 from 77 deliveries, but the rest faltered. At 148 all out in 37.4 overs, they were never in the hunt. Higgins (37) and Chimugoro (29) offered fleeting hope.

Ayush Mhatre starred with the ball, grabbing 3/14 in a spellbinding 4-over burst. Uddhav Mohan matched him with 3/20, RS Ambrish added 1/19, and the Patel duo – Henil and Khilan – sealed the deal with a wicket apiece.

Player of the Match Vihhan Malhotra’s heroics underline India’s depth and firepower, positioning them as serious contenders in the U19 World Cup.

From the outset, India set the tone with aggressive intent. Openers laid a solid foundation, allowing middle-order batsmen to accelerate freely. Suryavanshi’s gritty half-century in the final ODI was the highlight, complemented by his miserly bowling spell that choked the South African run flow.

The hosts, despite home advantage, faltered under pressure. Their top order collapsed spectacularly, unable to handle the swing and seam movement generated by India’s bowlers. Captain’s tactical acumen and the team’s electric fielding turned potential partnerships into breakthroughs.

This series triumph is more than just three wins; it’s a testament to India’s robust domestic structure and scouting system. Coaches emphasized the importance of mental toughness displayed by the boys, preparing them for high-stakes encounters.

Looking ahead, this cohort of players is poised to dominate age-group cricket. Suryavanshi’s dual impact positions him as a future star, while the collective effort reinforces India’s supremacy in global youth cricket. Celebrations back home reflect national pride in these budding champions.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has been diligently preparing its junior team through rigorous training camps and international exposure. This series in India follows a recent five-match ODI tour against Bangladesh. The ACB CEO highlighted the importance of these international assignments, stating they provide vital competitive experience for the developing players. The Tri-series adopts a double round-robin format, with each team playing each other twice. The top two teams will advance to the final, scheduled for November 30, concluding the 13-day event.