India outclass Afghanistan to reach U19 World Cup Final

Broadcast details for ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup

India knocked out Afghanistan in the second semi-final to book their place in thefinal of the ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup.

Heading into the contest, India looked set to continue their unbeaten run, while Afghanistan aimed to reach the final for the first time in the tournament’s history. India will now take on England in the showdown on February 6 after England beat Australia in the first semi-final earlier.

This will mark a record 10th appearance for the Asian giants in the U19 World Cup final, where they have lifted the trophy five times before and will be eager to add a sixth title.

Winning the toss, Afghanistan elected to bat first, and what followed was a steady opening partnership between Osman Sadat and Khalid Ahmadzai. The pair put together a 53-run stand before D. Deepesh broke the partnership by dismissing Ahmadzai for 31 off 39 balls in the 13th over.

Sadat was then joined by Faisal Khan, who once again rose to the occasion. The duo added 64 runs for the second wicket before Kanishk Chouhan got the better of Sadat, who departed for 39 off 70 balls after struggling to find fluency.

New batter Uzairullah Niazai and Faisal Khan stitched together a brilliant 148-run partnership, during which Faisal brought up his second century of the tournament before being dismissed by D. Deepesh for 110.

Niazai carried the momentum forward, taking Afghanistan’s total past the 300 mark and registering a fine century of his own. Afghanistan eventually finished with a formidable 310 on the board, with Niazai remaining unbeaten on 101. For India, D. Deepesh and Kanishk Chouhan were among the wicket-takers, picking up two wickets apiece.

In the chase, India showed their intent from the very first ball, with Aaron George cracking it away for four. That attacking momentum was carried forward by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who blasted 68 off 33 balls to give India a flying start.

The innings was laced with nine fours and four sixes as India raced to a total of 90 in 9 overs before Nooristani eventually removed the big hitter, helping slow down the scoring rate.

Skipper Ayush Mhatre then joined the well-set opener Aaron George, and the pair went about steadily. The duo put together a commanding 114-run partnership to gain back control from Afghanistan. Mhatre scored a composed 62 off 59 balls before Nooristani struck again in the 27th over to claim his second wicket of the game.

Aaron George was the star batter for India in the sem-final as he led from the front scoring a stellar century, taking India to victory. He scored 115 off 104 balls which included 2 sixes and 15 fours. The 96 run partnership of George and Vihaan Malhotra ( 38* off 47) helped India race to victory as they chased down the target in 41.1 overs.

India will now take on England in the final on February 6 at the Harare Sports Club.