India face an uphill task of overcoming a world record total for a spot in the final of the Under-19 World Cup 2026 after Afghanistan batters put on a scintillating performance in the second semifinal at the Harare Sports Club, Harare. Faisal Shinozada and Uzairullah Niazai smashed stunning centuries against a lacklustre Indian side to post 310/4 – the highest-ever U-19 World Cup total against India.
Faisal led the way with his second successive century, top-scoring with 110 off 93 balls, while Niazai finished unbeaten on 101 off 86 deliveries. The duo shared a superb 148-run stand off 130 balls for the third wicket as Indian bowlers and fielders struggled to stop the Afghanistan juggernaut.
Opting to bat, Afghanistan started positively with the opening pair of Osman Sadat and Khalid Ahmadzai adding 53 runs. Pacer Deepesh Devendran effected the first breakthrough, dismissing Khalid in the 13th over. The Afghanistan batter was dismissed on a good length ball, getting a slight inside-edge through to wicketkeeper Abhigyan Kundu.
Khalid played a fluent knock of 31 in 39 balls.
Faisal, Niazi tons flatten India
Faisal continued the momentum, adding 64 runs for the second wicket with Sadat, setting up his team for a strong total. Spin-bowling all-rounder Kanishk Chouhan broke the partnership at the start of the 25th over, dismissing Sadat, who was caught at long-off after the batter played a reckless shot.
After Sadat’s dismissal, Faisal found an able ally in Niazai as the duo stitched together a big partnership for the third wicket. Faisal struck 15 fours, while Niazai struck 12 boundaries and cleared it twice.
India eye world record total
To reach their 10th final, India are tasked to chase a world record otal in U-19 World Cup history. The highest-successful chase in U-19 World Cup knockouts (QF, SF or Finals) came in the 2024 semifinal when India chased down 245 against South Africa in Benoni.
Meanwhile, the highest chase in any U19 WC match is 305 by New Zealand against Ireland at Colombo, RPS in the 2006 edition.
The winner of this match will face England in the final.
Brief scores: Afghanistan: 310/4 in 50 overs (Faisal Shinozada 110, Uzairullah Niazai not out 101).