India chase 311 after Afghan batting masterclass
India are locked in a high-intensity IND vs AFG U-19 semi-final at Harare Sports Club, chasing a stiff target of 311 to reach the ICC U-19 World Cup 2026 final against England. Afghanistan, powered by brilliant centuries from Faisal Shinozada (110) and Uzairullah Niazai (101), posted 310/4 after winning the toss and opting to bat first.
At the 15-over mark in the chase, India were 128/1, thanks to an explosive start from opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi and solid support from Aaron George and captain Ayush Mhatre.
Afghanistan post 310/4 as Shinozada, Niazai punish India
Afghanistan’s top order showed remarkable composure under pressure in this India vs Afghanistan U19 knockout clash. Openers Osman Sadat and Khalid Ahmadzai laid a steady platform with a 50-run stand, forcing India’s bowlers on the defensive in the powerplay.
The innings turned decisively when Faisal Shinozada and Uzairullah Niazai stitched a 148-run third-wicket partnership off 130 balls, attacking pace and spin alike. Shinozada hammered 110, his second successive century in the tournament, while Niazai remained unbeaten on 101 off 86 balls, hitting 12 fours and 2 sixes to lift Afghanistan to 310/4. For India, only Deepesh Devendran and Kanishk Chouhan managed two wickets each in an otherwise tough outing with the ball.
Suryavanshi’s 33-ball 68 ignites India’s chase
Chasing 311, India began the IND vs AFG U-19 semi-final with intent as openers Aaron George and Vaibhav Suryavanshi took on the new ball. Suryavanshi, dropped twice early, converted his chances into a blistering 24-ball fifty, smashing boundaries all around the ground.
He finally fell for a 33-ball 68, laced with nine fours and four sixes, including a helicopter shot and multiple big hits off Wahidullah Zadran and Nooristani Omarzai. His aggressive approach put Afghanistan under pressure and gave India a flying start at 73/0 in seven overs and 91/1 after ten. With Suryavanshi back in the pavilion, the responsibility has shifted to George and skipper Ayush Mhatre to anchor the chase and manage the required run rate.
Why this semi-final matters now
This U-19 World Cup 2026 clash is more than just a knockout match; it reflects the rapid rise of Afghanistan’s youth system and India’s depth at the junior level. India are chasing a record-extending sixth U-19 world title, while Afghanistan are eyeing a historic first appearance in a World Cup final.
For fans, this game offers key takeaways:
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India’s next-generation batting firepower, led by Suryavanshi and Abhigyan Kundu, looks well-equipped for future senior transitions.
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Afghanistan’s middle-order stability through Shinozada and Niazai shows they can consistently challenge traditional powerhouses.
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Tactical game management in high-pressure chases—rotating strike, handling spin, and pacing the innings—will be crucial learnings for both sides.
As the IND vs AFG U-19 semi-final heads into its decisive phase, all eyes will be on whether India can convert their blazing start into a successful chase, or if Afghanistan’s historic 310/4 will stand as the defining performance of this World Cup.
