How Did George’s Century Propel India to the U19 WC Final Against England?
Synopsis
In a thrilling encounter at the Harare Sports Club, India overcame a challenging target of 311 with the help of Aaron George's stunning century. This victory not only showcased India's batting prowess but also set the stage for an exciting final against England. Discover the highlights of this remarkable semi-final clash!
Key Takeaways
Aaron George scored 115 runs, leading India’s chase.
India chased down 311 runs in just 41.1 overs .
Key partnerships were pivotal in India’s victory.
India has reached the World Cup final for the sixth consecutive time.
Afghanistan set a challenging target with strong centuries.
Harare, Feb 4 (NationPress) Aaron George delivered a stunning performance, scoring 115 runs as India, the five-time champions, executed a remarkable run-chase to secure their spot in the final of the 2026 ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup with a seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the second semi-final held at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.
Facing a challenging target of 311, India thrived on George’s remarkable innings of 115 off 104 deliveries, featuring 15 fours and two sixes, achieving a strike rate of 110.58 to complete their chase successfully. Significant contributions came from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who scored a quick-fire 68 from just 33 balls, and captain Ayush Mhatre, who added 62 runs off 39 balls, ensuring India’s place in the championship match against England, scheduled for February 6 at the same venue.
India accomplished their chase in just 41.1 overs, losing only three wickets, marking their 10th World Cup final appearance and sixth consecutive one. George, who had struggled earlier in the tournament, stepped up by forming a 90-run opening partnership with Sooryavanshi, followed by a 114-run partnership for the second wicket with Mhatre, and a 96-run partnership for the third wicket with Vihaan Malhotra, who contributed with an unbeaten 38 runs off 47 balls.
Previously, Afghanistan had set a formidable score of 310/4 in their 50 overs, thanks to impressive centuries from Faisal Shinozada and Uzairullah Niazai. Shinozada led with a score of 110 runs off 93 balls, hitting 15 boundaries, while Niazai remained not out at 101 from 86 balls, including 12 fours and two sixes.
The pair formed a crucial 148-run partnership for the third wicket after opener Khalid Ahmadzai (31) and Osman Sadat (39) established a solid 53-run opening partnership. For India, pacer Deepesh Devendran and spinner Kanishk Chouhan took two wickets each, although the remaining bowlers faced challenges against the Afghan batters. However, once Sooryavanshi, George, and Mhatre found their rhythm, India managed to chase down the impressive total with remarkable ease.
Brief Scores: Afghanistan 310 (Faisal Shinozada 110, Uzairullah Niazai 101 not out; Kanishk Chouhan 2-55, Deepesh Devendran 2-64) lost to India 311/3 in 41.1 overs (Aaron George 115, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 68; Nooristani Omarzai 2-64, Wahidullah Zadran 1-67) by seven wickets.
Point of View
It's exhilarating to witness India's young cricketers rise to the occasion once again. Their performance not only reflects their talent but also the depth of cricketing talent in the country. This match emphasizes the importance of resilience and teamwork, which are crucial for success on the world stage. We stand with our team as they approach the finals with confidence.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the target that India chased down?
India successfully chased down a target of 311 runs set by Afghanistan.
Who scored the highest runs for India in the semi-final?
Aaron George scored the highest runs for India with a remarkable 115 runs.
When will the final match be held?
The final match will be held on February 6 at the Harare Sports Club.
How many wickets did India lose during the chase?
India lost three wickets during their chase of 311 runs.
Which players contributed significantly to India's score?
Apart from Aaron George, both Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre made significant contributions with scores of 68 and 62 runs respectively.
