New Delhi: Aaron George proved to be the star for Indian team as the side chased a world record total to thrash Afghanistan in the under-19 World Cup semifinal and setup final date with England. Chasing a gigantic score of 311, Indian batters, led by George made a mockery of the Afghan bowlers in the second innings after they scored 310/4 batting first.
George proved to be the destructor as he put up an unbeaten score of 115 runs on the board to devastate the Afghan bowlers and earn a 7-wicket victory in just 41.1 overs. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and skipper Ayush Mhatre, with scores of 68 and 62 respectively, were equally effective in keeping their head strong in a pivotal match which helped them reach their 10th U19 final.
George smashed as many as 15 boundaries and 2 sixes en route his innings with Sooryavanshi’s innings studded with 4 sixes and 9 boundaries. Skipper Mhatre even looked in a fierce mood as he took down the Afghan bowlers striking as many as 5 boundaries and 4 sixes to contribute for the side on an important day.
🚨 INDIA U-19 QUALIFIED INTO THE FINAL OF THE WORLD CUP 🚨
– Captain Ayush Mhatre 💛 pic.twitter.com/z3DQtUbDhZ
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 4, 2026
Highest successful chase in U-19
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.
More to follow..