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India U19 World Cup final qualification was confirmed emphatically as the defending champions crushed Afghanistan by seven wickets in the second semi-final of the ICC Under-19 World Cup at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.
Chasing a challenging target of 311, India delivered one of the most commanding run chases in tournament history, reaching the total in just 41.1 overs with seven wickets in hand and 53 balls remaining.
Afghanistan post imposing total
After winning the toss of U19 World Cup and opting to bat, Afghanistan produced a disciplined and powerful batting display to post 310 for four in their allotted 50 overs. The innings was built around centuries from Faisal Shinozada and Uzairullah Niazai, who shared a crucial 148-run stand for the third wicket.
Shinozada anchored the innings with a fluent 110 from 93 deliveries, striking 15 boundaries to keep the scoreboard ticking. Niazai complemented him perfectly, remaining unbeaten on 101 from 86 balls, an innings that included 12 fours and two sixes.
Earlier, openers Osman Sadat and Khalid Ahmadzai laid a steady foundation with contributions of 39 and 31, respectively. For India, Deepesh Devendran and Kanishk Chohan provided breakthroughs at key moments, finishing with two wickets apiece.
Image Source: NDTV
India dominate historic chase
Despite the size of the target, India showed no signs of pressure. Openers Aaron George and Vaibhav Sooriyavanshi launched a blistering start that immediately tilted the contest in India’s favor.
Sooriyavanshi set the tone with a rapid 68 off just 33 balls, smashing nine fours and four sixes in a fearless display of strokeplay. George carried the momentum forward, crafting a commanding century and finishing as India’s top scorer with 115 from 104 deliveries, including 15 fours and two sixes.
Captain anchors winning effort
After Sooriyavanshi’s dismissal, captain Ayush Mhatre steadied the innings with a composed 62 off 59 balls. His knock, featuring five fours and four sixes, ensured there was no collapse as India cruised towards victory.
Mhatre eventually fell in the 27th over, but by then the outcome was beyond doubt. Afghanistan’s Nooristani Omarzai was the most effective bowler, claiming two wickets for 64 runs, while Wahidullah Zadran picked up one.
Final showdown awaits
With this win, India booked their place in Friday’s ICC U19 World Cup final, where they will face England in what promises to be a high-stakes clash between two of youth cricket’s strongest sides.
India’s commanding chase underlined their depth, confidence, and championship pedigree as they move one step closer to lifting the title once again.
