India Under-19 defeated Afghanistan by seven wickets in the semifinal to qualify for the Under-19 World Cup final, completing the highest successful run chase in the tournament’s history.
Batting first after winning the toss, Afghanistan posted 310 for four in 50 overs. The total was built on two centuries, with Ujirullah Niazi remaining unbeaten on 101 off 86 balls, including 12 fours and two sixes, and Faisal Shinozada scoring 110 off 93 balls with 15 fours. Usman Sadat contributed 39, while Khalid Ahmadzai added 31. For India, Deepesh Devendran and Kanishk Chauhan claimed two wickets each.
In reply, India chased down the target in 41.1 overs, scoring 311 for three. Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Aaron George provided a rapid start to the chase. Suryavanshi scored 68 off 33 balls, hitting nine fours and four sixes. After his dismissal, George and captain Ayush Mhatre added 114 runs for the second wicket.
Mhatre scored 62 off 59 balls before being dismissed. George anchored the innings with 115 off 104 balls, including 15 fours and two sixes. He was dismissed before the target was reached. Vihan Malhotra remained unbeaten on 38, while Vedant Trivedi finished on an unbeaten five to take India past the target. For Afghanistan, Nooristani Omarzai took two wickets and Wahidullah Zadran claimed one.
With this win, India recorded the highest successful run chase in Under-19 World Cup history, surpassing the previous mark of 305 set by New Zealand against Ireland in 2006. India also qualified for the Under-19 World Cup final for the sixth consecutive time, having previously reached the final in 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2024. Across 16 editions, India have now reached the final on 10 occasions, the most by any country.
India will face England in the final on Friday. England advanced to the final after defeating Australia in the second semifinal.
