Afghanistan U19 post an impressive 310/4 after electing to bat
After winning the toss, Afghanistan opted to bat first and took full advantage of the conditions to post an imposing 310 for 4 in 50 overs. The innings was anchored by Uzairullah Niazai, who played an excellent unbeaten knock of 101 off 86 balls, hitting 12 fours and 2 sixes at a healthy batting pace.
Earlier, Khalid Ahmadzai set the tone with a fluid 31 off 39 balls, while Osman Sadat added stability at the top with a 70-ball 39. However, the backbone of the Afghan innings was the 148-run partnership between Faisal Shinozada and Niazai. Shinozada’s attacking 110 off 93 deliveries, peppered with 15 fours, accelerated the scoring through the middle overs.
India bowlers showed discipline despite the attack. Deepesh Devendran was the standout performer, achieving figures of 2 for 64 from his full quota of overs, while Kanishk Chouhan also picked up two crucial wickets. Although Afghanistan managed to maintain a run rate above six, India’s ability to restrict wickets in the final overs prevented the total from rising further.
Aaron George, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre lay the perfect foundation
India’s chase began with intent and clarity. Aaron George and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi added a solid opening stand of 90 runs, putting immediate pressure on Afghanistan. Sooryavanshi was extremely aggressive and hit 68 off just 33 balls, reaching the boundary with ease.
George played the role of anchor to perfection, rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries. Even after Sooryavanshi’s dismissal, the momentum in India continued as asking rates never got out of hand.
Captain Ayush Mhatre came in with a maturity beyond his years and formed a vital 114-run partnership with George. Mhatre’s knock of 62 off 59 balls balanced caution with calculated aggression, keeping India ahead of the required pace.
George went on to score 115 off 104 deliveries, a knock that mixed patience with authority. His dismissal with just eleven points needed was just a footnote in what had already become a one-sided chase.
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Once the hard work was over, Vihaan Malhotra and Vedant Trivedi escorted India home without any fuss. Malhotra remained unbeaten on 38 while Trivedi chipped in with 5 to take India to 311 for 3 in 41.1 overs, sparking celebrations in the Indian camp.
The five-time champion marches into the final in a dominant manner🙌#U19World Cup #TeamIndia #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/uRNgTDacTn
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 4, 2026
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