U-19 World Cup: Aaron’s Century Powers India to 10th Final with 7-Wicket Win Over Afghanistan

Harare.

A magnificent century by Aaron George guided India to a dominant seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the second semi-final of the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026, as the Men in Blue stormed into the final for a record 10th time. India will now face England in the title clash on February 6.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday, Afghanistan posted a formidable total of 310 for 4. Openers Usman Sadat and Khalid Ahmadzai gave their team a solid start, adding 53 runs for the first wicket. Ahmadzai was dismissed for 31, while Sadat contributed 39 runs.

Faisal Shinozada then stitched a crucial partnership with Sadat, taking the score to 117. Afghanistan lost their second wicket at that stage, but the innings gained momentum when Shinozada joined hands with Uzairullah Niazi. The duo added a massive 148 runs off 130 balls for the third wicket.

Shinozada scored a brilliant 110 off 93 balls, hitting 15 boundaries, while Niazi remained unbeaten on 101 from 86 deliveries, which included two sixes and 12 fours. For India, Deepesh Devendran and Kanishk Chauhan claimed two wickets each.

Chasing the target, India sealed the match in just 41.1 overs. Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Aaron George laid a strong foundation with a 90-run opening partnership. Vaibhav smashed 68 runs off just 33 balls, laced with four sixes and nine fours.

George then added 114 runs for the second wicket with skipper Ayush Mhatre, who scored 62 off 59 balls, including four sixes and five boundaries. Later, George stitched another crucial stand of 96 runs with Vihan Malhotra, taking India to the brink of victory.

Aaron George was eventually dismissed for a splendid 115 off 104 balls, featuring two sixes and 15 fours. Vihan Malhotra remained unbeaten on 38 off 47 balls to guide India home comfortably. For Afghanistan, Nooristani Umarzai picked up two wickets, while Waheedullah Zadran claimed one.

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