India Chases Record Total To Reach U19 World Cup Final

India’s Under-19 cricket team has once again etched its name in the record books, storming into the ICC U19 World Cup final for a record tenth time after a sensational seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in Harare on February 4, 2026. In what will be remembered as one of the most remarkable run chases in youth cricket history, the young Indian side, led by captain Ayush Mhatre, hunted down a daunting target of 311 runs, setting up a mouthwatering final against England.

The semifinal clash at Harare Sports Club had all the ingredients of a classic—towering targets, dazzling centuries, and the unmistakable pressure of a World Cup knockout. Afghanistan, opting to bat first, got off to a solid start thanks to their openers Osman Sadat and Khalid Ahmadzai, who stitched together a 53-run partnership before pacer Deepesh Devendran made the breakthrough in the 13th over. Ahmadzai, who contributed a steady 31 off 39 balls, was caught behind after a faint inside edge, giving India a much-needed opening.

But Afghanistan refused to be rattled. Faisal Shinozada, the backbone of their innings, crafted a masterful 110 off 93 balls, while Uzairullah Niazai anchored the later overs with an unbeaten 101 from 86 deliveries. The Indian bowlers, despite their best efforts, struggled to break partnerships as the Afghan batsmen found the boundary with regularity. Faisal and Sadat added 64 for the second wicket, and after Sadat’s dismissal—caught at long-off by a sharp Kanishk Chouhan in the 25th over—Faisal and Niazai combined for a substantial third-wicket stand. Shinozada’s innings featured 15 fours, while Niazai peppered the boundary 12 times and cleared the ropes twice, pushing Afghanistan to a formidable 310 for four at the close of their 50 overs.

India’s reply was nothing short of electric. The chase began with prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, just 15 years old, launching a blistering assault on the Afghan attack. Suryavanshi raced to a 24-ball fifty, eventually smashing 68 off just 33 balls—a knock that included a stunning helicopter shot six off pacer Nooristani Omarzai and a flurry of boundaries, mainly off off-spinner Wahidullah Zadran. Luck favored Suryavanshi early on, as Niazai dropped him at 22 at point, but the young left-hander made Afghanistan pay dearly, ensuring India’s run rate soared above seven an over from the outset. The opening partnership with Aaron George yielded 90 runs, laying the foundation for the historic chase.

Suryavanshi’s dismissal in the 10th over, caught by Osman Sadat inside the circle after a mistimed pull, did little to slow India’s momentum. Captain Ayush Mhatre joined George at the crease, and together they constructed a commanding 114-run partnership for the second wicket. Mhatre, who had struggled for rhythm earlier in the tournament, rose to the occasion with a composed 62 off 59 balls, blending authority with composure and playing a full selection of shots to keep the scoreboard ticking. "Once again, Aaron played the anchor’s role to perfection as Mhatre took all the risks to keep his side much ahead of the asking rate," noted a report from The Hindu.

At the heart of India’s chase was Aaron George, the 19-year-old Kerala-born right-hander who has become a mainstay of Hyderabad’s youth teams. George, who first caught national attention with a 303-run marathon in the 2022-23 Vijay Merchant Trophy, was the epitome of calm and class on the biggest stage. His century—brought up in 95 balls—was a blend of elegant cover drives, powerful lofted shots, and unflappable temperament. He struck 13 fours and two sixes in his 115 off 104 balls, anchoring the innings even as wickets fell at the other end. "Not one shot was hit in anger, as the right-hander, who migrated from Kottayam, Kerala, to Hyderabad, batted with seldom-seen elan during this age of range-hitting," observed The Hindu, highlighting George’s technical prowess and aesthetic batting style.

George’s innings was not without fortune—he was dropped at mid-on by Zadran when on 20—but he made the most of his reprieve, guiding India past the 200-mark in the 27th over with Mhatre. After Mhatre’s departure, George found support in Vihan Malhotra, and the pair added a crucial 96 runs for the third wicket. George eventually fell with victory in sight, but by then, the damage was done—India needed only a handful of runs to seal their place in the final.

Afghanistan’s fielding woes proved costly, as dropped catches and missed run-out opportunities allowed India to keep their foot on the pedal. The Afghan bowlers, unable to contain the flow of runs or break partnerships at key moments, watched as India completed the highest-ever successful chase in U19 World Cup history, reaching the target in just 41.1 overs and with 53 balls to spare.

For Afghanistan, the defeat was a bitter pill after such a promising batting display. Yet, their campaign showcased the growing depth and talent in Afghan youth cricket, with Shinozada and Niazai’s centuries offering a glimpse of a bright future.

India’s victory marks their sixth consecutive appearance in the U19 World Cup final—a staggering testament to the country’s junior cricket structure and the BCCI’s commitment to nurturing young talent. As the team prepares to face England in the summit clash, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on Aaron George, whose maturity and consistency have drawn comparisons to established stars. His recent exploits in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy and the 2025 ACC Under-19 Asia Cup further underline his credentials as India’s batting spine at this level.

With the final looming and momentum firmly on their side, India’s U19 squad will be eager to add another chapter to their storied World Cup legacy. England awaits, but after chasing down a mountain in Harare, this young team has already shown it can scale any peak the game throws its way.