ICC U19 Global Tournament, semi-final match, played in Harare
Afghan Youth Squad amassed 310 runs for 4 wickets (50 overs): Faisal contributed 110 (from 93 balls), Uzairullah scored an unbeaten 101 (from 86 deliveries); Chouhan secured 2 wickets for 55 runs
Indian Juniors reached 311 runs for 3 wickets (41.1 overs): George achieved 115 (from 104 balls), Suryavanshi added 68 (from 33 balls); Nooristani took 2 wickets for 64 runs
The Indian team secured victory with seven wickets remaining
Match Details
Following an unprecedented pursuit of runs against Afghanistan in Harare, India is set to face England in the championship match of the Under-19 World Cup.
The squad, boasting five previous titles, successfully pursued a new Under-19 World Cup highest target of 311, losing only three batsmen and concluding the game with over eight overs unbowled in a spectacular performance.
Aaron George accumulated 115 runs following a brilliant 68 runs from only 33 deliveries by the 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a player already recognized for an IPL hundred in 35 balls, despite being given two lifelines.
Skipper Ayush Mhatre also contributed a fifty, guiding India effortlessly into their tenth championship encounter, facing an English squad eager for their initial tournament triumph since the year 1998.
Faisal Khan Shinozada and Uzairullah Niazai each registered tons for the Afghanistan side, which appeared to be in a commanding position until the Indian batsmen seized control.
“Our conversation was straightforward – simply stick to our inherent style of play,” remarked Mhatre. “The pitch performed excellently, being genuinely flat, thus we were confident that by playing instinctively, the total would be within reach.”
“Suryavanshi was instrumental in the pursuit. Amassing 90 runs within the initial 10 overs alleviated significant pressure, greatly simplifying the task for the remaining players to construct the innings.”
“George stands out as a sophisticated, exceptional batter. His role in stabilizing the innings was flawless.”
Live ball-by-ball updates for the championship game on Friday will be accessible via BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and the BBC Sport digital platforms, commencing at 07:30 GMT.
