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India Outgun Afghanistan to Enter U-19 World Cup Final

India chased down 311 against Afghanistan with ease to reach the Under-19 World Cup final, led by Aaron George’s unbeaten century and a blistering opening stand.

  • DY365

DY365

Photograph: (@BCCI (X))
Photograph: (@BCCI (X))

India powered their way into the final of the ICC Under-19 World Cup with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the first semi-final at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. Chasing a daunting target of 311, the Indian youngsters completed the task with remarkable ease, reaching the total in just 41.1 overs to book a record 10th appearance in the tournament’s final.

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The chase was anchored by a sublime unbeaten century from Aaron George, who struck 115 from 104 deliveries, blending composure with clean strokeplay. He found able support at the top from opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose blistering 68 off just 33 balls set the tone early. The pair added 90 runs for the opening stand, putting Afghanistan on the back foot inside the powerplay.

Captain Ayush Mhatre kept the momentum going with a fluent 62 off 59 balls, while Vihaan Malhotra stayed till the end on 38 not out as India finished on 311 for 3 with more than eight overs to spare. The effort went down as the highest successful run chase in Under-19 World Cup history.

Earlier in the day, Afghanistan posted an imposing 310 for 4 after being asked to bat first. Faisal Shinozada led the charge with a well-crafted 110 from 93 balls, peppering the boundary with 15 fours. Uzairullah Niazai complemented him superbly, remaining unbeaten on 101 off 86 deliveries, which included 12 fours and two sixes. Their 148-run partnership for the third wicket provided Afghanistan with a strong platform on a batting-friendly surface.

India’s bowlers found it difficult to apply sustained pressure, though Deepesh Devendran and Kanishk Chouhan claimed two wickets apiece to prevent the total from climbing even higher.

Afghanistan were left to rue missed opportunities in the field. An early drop of Sooryavanshi and another spilled chance later in the innings proved costly as India capitalised fully on the lapses.

India will now face England in Friday’s final, chasing a sixth Under-19 World Cup title and a chance to make amends after falling short in the 2024 final against Australia.

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