India knocked out Afghanistan in the second semifinal to book their place in the final of the ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup.
Heading into the contest, India looked set to continue their unbeaten run, while Afghanistan aimed to reach the final for the first time in the tournament’s history.
India will now take on England in the showdown on February 6 after England beat Australia in the first semifinal earlier.
India will meet England in the #U19WorldCup final 👏 pic.twitter.com/stqHQQzNqX
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) February 4, 2026
Winning the toss, Afghanistan elected to bat first, and what followed was a steady opening partnership between Osman Sadat and Khalid Ahmadzai.
The pair put together a 53-run stand before D. Deepesh broke the partnership by dismissing Ahmadzai for 31 off 39 balls in the 13th over.
Sadat was then joined by Faisal Khan, who once again rose to the occasion. The duo added 64 runs for the second wicket before Kanishk Chouhan got the better of Sadat, who departed for 39 off 70 balls after struggling to find fluency.
New batter Uzairullah Niazai and Faisal Khan stitched together a brilliant 148-run partnership, during which Faisal brought up his second century of the tournament before being dismissed by D. Deepesh for 110.
𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐬! 💯🔥
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) February 4, 2026
A memorable batting performance from Faisal Khan Shinwazada. 👏👏#FutureStars | #AFGvIND | #U19WorldCup pic.twitter.com/iufrbmqd6G
Niazai carried the momentum forward, taking Afghanistan’s total past the 300 mark and registering a fine century of his own.
𝐇𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐃!!! 💯💯
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) February 4, 2026
Uzairullah Khamosh puts on a terrific batting performance and brings up a terrific hundred in the ongoing semi-final match against India U19. 👏👏
A brilliant knock from the youngster! 👏#FutureStars | #AFGvIND | #U19WorldCup pic.twitter.com/MO464DQTOv
Afghanistan eventually finished with a formidable 310 on the board, with Niazai remaining unbeaten on 101.
For India, D. Deepesh and Kanishk Chouhan were among the wicket-takers, picking up two wickets apiece.
COMMANDING PARTNERSHIP
In the chase, India showed their intent from the very first ball, with Aaron George cracking it away for four.
That attacking momentum was carried forward by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who blasted 68 off 33 balls to give India a flying start.
The innings was laced with nine fours and four sixes as India raced to a total of 90 in nine overs before Nooristani eventually removed the big hitter, helping slow down the scoring rate.
Skipper Ayush Mhatre then joined the well-set opener Aaron George, and the pair went about steadily.
The duo put together a commanding 114-run partnership to gain back control from Afghanistan.
Mhatre scored a composed 62 off 59 balls before Nooristani struck again in the 27th over to claim his second wicket of the game.
Aaron George was the star batter for India in the semifinal as he led from the front scoring a stellar century, taking India to victory.
He scored 115 off 104 balls which included 2 sixes and 15 fours.
Aaron George is the Player of the Match for his superb knock 👌
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 4, 2026
India U19 register the highest successful run-chase in ICC Men's U19 World Cups to clinch a 7️⃣-wicket win over Afghanistan U19 in the semi-final 🔝
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/rM2IsqdXXr#U19WorldCup pic.twitter.com/dHww5uf3iw
The 96 run partnership of George and Vihaan Malhotra ( 38* off 47) helped India race to victory as they chased down the target in 41.1 overs.
India will now take on England in the final on February 6 at the Harare Sports Club.