Harare:
A sublime hundred from Aaron George, complemented by explosive half-centuries from IPL-bound youngsters Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre, powered India into the ICC Under-19 World Cup final with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan on Wednesday.
India will now face England in Friday’s summit clash, marking their 10th appearance in a U-19 World Cup final—a testament to the BCCI’s structured grassroots system that continues to produce elite young talent.
Afghanistan Post 310, India Face Monumental Chase
India were staring at a daunting task after Afghanistan posted a formidable 310 for 4, built around brilliant centuries from Faisal Shinozada (110 off 93 balls) and *Uzairullah Niazai (101 off 86 balls)**.
The Afghan batters dominated large parts of the innings, as Indian bowlers struggled to break partnerships and contain the scoring rate.
George Leads Record Run Chase
Despite the steep target, India cantered home in 41.1 overs, completing their highest successful run chase in U-19 World Cup history.
Aaron George played the defining knock of the match, compiling a majestic 115 off 104 balls, an innings marked by flawless timing, immaculate placement and complete control of tempo.
He received perfect support from:
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi – 68 off 33 balls
- Ayush Mhatre – 62 off 59 balls
India maintained a run rate of over seven an over throughout the chase, never allowing the pressure to build.
Suryavanshi Sets the Tone
As he has done consistently, Suryavanshi gave India a blistering start, peppering the boundary mainly off off-spinner Wahidullah Zadran.
He survived a reprieve on 22, when Niazai dropped him at point off Abdul Aziz, and made Afghanistan pay soon after with a stunning helicopter-shot six off pacer Nooristani Omarzai.
However, repeated attempts at the pull shot proved costly, as an ill-judged hoick off Omarzai was caught by Osman Sadat, ending a scintillating opening stand of 93 runs.
George–Mhatre Partnership Seals the Match
George then stitched together a decisive 114-run partnership with Mhatre in just over 17 overs, pushing India past 200 inside the 27th over.
Mhatre, who had struggled for fluency earlier in the tournament, found his rhythm at the perfect moment, showcasing a wide array of strokes while George anchored the chase with remarkable composure.
Even after Mhatre’s dismissal, George continued unfazed, guiding India ever closer to victory.
An Innings of Rare Elegance
Beyond the runs, it was the aesthetic beauty of George’s batting that stood out. Not a single stroke appeared forced. The right-hander—who migrated from Kottayam, Kerala, to Hyderabad—displayed maturity and elegance rarely seen at this age.
His cover drives off Zadran and Roohullah Arab were exquisite, while his lofted six over long-on off Omarzai was pure poetry. George raised his hundred off 95 balls with a delicate flick past mid-wicket for four.
He later added 96 runs for the third wicket with Vihan Malhotra, though he fell shortly before India crossed the finish line.
Afghanistan’s Strong Batting Effort
Earlier, Afghanistan made full use of their decision to bat first. Openers Osman Sadat and Khalid Ahmadzai added 53 runs before pacer Deepesh Devendran struck in the 13th over to remove Ahmadzai for 31.
Shinozada then dominated, adding 64 runs with Sadat for the second wicket. Sadat was eventually dismissed for a patient 39 off 70 balls by Kanishk Chouhan, caught at long-off after a rash shot.
Niazai took charge thereafter, finishing unbeaten and ensuring Afghanistan crossed the 300 mark.
Final Awaits
India’s emphatic victory sets up a blockbuster U-19 World Cup final against England, as the young guns once again underline India’s depth and dominance at the junior level.