Harare, Feb 4 (UNI) Aaron George’s scintillating century for Afghanistan Under-19 almost carried his side to a historic win, but India U19 held their composure to chase down 311 and secure a seven-wicket victory in the second semifinal of the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 at Harare Sports Club here on Wednesday.
George anchored the innings with a brilliant 115 off 104 balls, striking 15 fours and two sixes, keeping India in the contest throughout.
Nooristani Omarzai and Wahidullah Zadran picked up two and one wickets respectively, but George’s knock was the backbone of Afghanistan’s total.
Winning the toss, Afghanistan U19 elected to bat first and posted a challenging total of 310 for four in 50 overs.
Faisal Shinozad played a brilliant knock of 110 off 93 balls, striking 15 boundaries, while Uzairullah Niazai remained unbeaten on 101 off 86 balls, hitting 12 fours and two sixes.
Osman Sadat contributed 39 off 70 balls and Khalid Ahmadzai added 31 off 39 balls. Azizullah Miakhil made 12 before being dismissed. Extras added 23 runs, including six wides and 11 leg byes, helping Afghanistan reach 310.
Kanishk Chouhan took two wickets and Deepesh Devendran claimed on.
India U19 responded with a clinical chase, reaching 311 for three in 41.1 overs. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi tore through the Afghan attack with a blazing 68 off 33 balls at a strike rate of over 200, while captain Ayush Mhatre played a steady 62 to anchor the innings.
Vihaan Malhotra remained unbeaten on 38 and Vedant Trivedi on five, guiding India comfortably past the target with overs to spare.
With this win, India U19 advance to their 10th ICC Under-19 World Cup final, the most by any team, much ahead of Australia, which has reached six finals. Remarkably, India have now made it to the final in six consecutive editions – 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024, and 2026 – underlining their sustained dominance at this level.
George’s century was only the fifth hundred scored in the 2026 U19 World Cup knockout stage and one of six centuries in semifinals across the first 15 editions of the tournament.
His innings now sits alongside some of the most memorable U19 World Cup knockout performances, including Cheteshwar Pujara’s 129 not out against England in the 2006 semifinal, Unmukt Chand’s unbeaten 111 in the 2012 final against Australia, Rishabh Pant’s 111 against Namibia in the 2016 quarterfinal, Yash Dhull’s 110 against Australia in the 2022 semifinal, Ravneet Ricky’s 108 against Australia in the 2000 semifinal, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 105 not out against Pakistan in the 2020 semifinal, Shubman Gill’s 102 not out against Pakistan in the 2018 semifinal, and Manjot Kalra’s 101 not out against Australia in the 2018 final.
While George’s innings was a masterclass in timing and aggression, India’s collective batting depth and composure proved decisive in the end. Nevertheless, his knock will be remembered as one of the finest individual performances in U19 World Cup history.
Umpires for the match were Russell Warren and Shaun Haig, with Shawn Craig serving as the third umpire. Graeme Labrooy was the match referee.
