India U19 cricket team have reached the Final of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 after beating Afghanistan U19 in the second Semi-final of the tournament at Harare on Wednesday (February 4). As one-time winners England U19 have advanced to the Final after beating the defending champions Australia U19 in the first Semi-final, India U19 will face England U19 in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 Final on Friday (February 6) at Harare.
After Afghanistan U19 won the toss and chose to bat first, they scored 310/4 in 50 overs, thanks to two centuries. While the no.3 batter Faisal Shinozada scored 110 off 93 balls with 15 fours, the next batter Uzairullah Niazai was not out for 101 runs in 86 balls with 12 fours and two sixes.
In reply, India U19 chased down the target in 41.4 overs after losing only three wickets. Opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed 68 off 33 balls with nine fours and four sixes, while his opening partner Aaron George scored 115 runs off 104 balls with 15 fours and two sixes. Also, captain Ayush Mhatre scored 62 off 59 balls with five fours and four sixes, as India U19 comfortably won the game.
Here are some key match stats and facts: India U19 vs Afghanistan U19 in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 2nd Semi-final
India U19 chased down the 311-run target. It is the highest successful chase in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup history. The previous record was successfully chasing the 305-run target by New Zealand U19 against Ireland U19 in the 2006 edition.
Meanwhile, India U19 successfully chasing the 311-run target became the joint second highest successful chase in the Youth ODI history. The record is successfully chasing the 316-run target by Sri Lanka U19 against England U19 in 2016.
India U19 hold the record for most ICC U19 Cricket World Cup trophy by winning it five times. Now, they have a great chance to stretch this record to six times, by winning it in the 2026 edition.
India U19 have qualified for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 Final. It will be their sixth straight U19 Cricket World Cup Final, starting from the 2016 edition.
India U19 will play their 10th overall ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Final.
