India beat Afghanistan in the second semi-final of the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup on Wednesday to book a place in the final, where they will face England.
The win extended India’s unbeaten run in the tournament and took them into a record 10th Under-19 World Cup final. The five-time champions will play England Under-19 on Feb. 6 at Harare Sports Club after England defeated Australia in the first semi-final.
Afghanistan, chasing a first-ever appearance in the final, elected to bat after winning the toss and made a competitive total built around strong partnerships. Openers Osman Sadat and Khalid Ahmadzai put on 53 runs before Ahmadzai was dismissed for 31. Sadat and Faisal Khan then added 64 for the second wicket, with Sadat scoring 39.
Faisal went on to anchor the innings, sharing a 148-run stand with Uzairullah Niazai and bringing up his second century of the tournament. He was eventually dismissed for 110, giving Afghanistan a solid platform.
India’s chase was led by opener Aaron George, who scored a commanding 115 off 104 balls, including 15 fours and two sixes. Skipper Ayush Mhatre made 62, adding 114 runs with George to steady the innings after early wickets.
A late partnership between George and Vihaan Malhotra, who remained unbeaten on 38, helped India chase down the target in 41.1 overs.
The result ended Afghanistan’s run in the tournament, while India moved one step closer to a sixth Under-19 World Cup title.
