Harare, February 4, 2026 — India Under-19 continued their absolute dominance on the world stage, storming into the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 final with a clinical seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan. In a match where records fell like ninepins, India successfully pulled off the highest run-chase in U19 World Cup history, overhauling a daunting target of 311 with nearly nine overs to spare.
The victory marks India’s sixth consecutive appearance in the tournament’s final and their 10th overall, setting up a blockbuster title clash against England.
Afghanistan Post Mammoth Total Behind Twin Tons
Choosing to bat first at the Harare Sports Club, Afghanistan delivered their most spirited batting performance of the tournament. The middle-order duo of Faisal Shinozada and Uzairullah Niazai stunned the Indian bowling attack with a massive 148-run partnership.
Shinozada smashed a brilliant 110 off 93 balls, his second consecutive century, while Niazai remained unbeaten on 101 off 86 balls. Their late-innings carnage helped Afghanistan reach 310/4, the highest score ever recorded in a Super League semifinal. For India, Kanishk Chouhan (2/55) and Deepesh Devendran (2/64) were the only wicket-takers in an otherwise tough day for the bowlers.
Sooryavanshi’s Blitz and Aaron’s Anchor
Any hopes Afghanistan had of an upset were quickly extinguished by 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The left-hander launched a breathtaking assault in the powerplay, racing to a half-century in just 24 balls. His blistering 68 off 33 balls (9 fours, 4 sixes) provided India with the perfect platform, demoralizing the Afghan bowlers early on.
Following Sooryavanshi’s dismissal, opener Aaron George took charge. George played a masterclass in controlled aggression, anchoring the chase with a sublime 115 off 104 balls. He found able partners in skipper Ayush Mhatre (62) and Vihaan Malhotra (38)*. George fell just 11 runs short of the target, but his maiden U19 World Cup century ensured India crossed the finish line in a staggering 41.1 overs.
Brief Scores:
- Afghanistan U19: 310/4 (Faisal Shinozada 110, Uzairullah Niazai 101*; Kanishk Chouhan 2/55)
- India U19: 311/3 in 41.1 overs (Aaron George 115, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 68, Ayush Mhatre 62; Nooristani Omarzai 2/64)
- Result: India U19 won by 7 wickets.
