George century powers India U-19 to record chase, enters 10th World Cup final

Aaron George’s classy century, backed by a whirlwind knock from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and a timely half-century by captain Ayush Mhatre, powered India Under-19 to a stunning seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan Under-19, as they chased down a record target of 311 with 53 balls to spare to enter their tenth Under-19 World Cup final.

India finished on 311 for 3 in just 41.1 overs, completing the highest successful run chase in Under-19 World Cup history. George anchored the innings with a composed 115, while Sooryavanshi’s explosive 33-ball 68 and Mhatre’s 62 ensured the chase never lost momentum.

Earlier, Afghanistan had posted an imposing 310 for 4 on a belter of a surface in Harare, courtesy centuries from Faisal Shinozada (110) and Uzairullah Niazai (101). Their 199-run partnership for the third wicket appeared to have put Afghanistan firmly in control, especially after they plundered 111 runs in the final ten overs.

However, India’s top order responded with remarkable authority. Openers George and Sooryavanshi took full advantage of early reprieves—both were dropped inside the first five overs—and punished Afghanistan’s bowlers with a blistering 90-run opening stand off just 57 balls. Sooryavanshi was particularly brutal, racing to a 24-ball fifty and dismantling spinner Wahidullah Zadran and pacer Abdul Aziz with fearless strokeplay.

George, calm and precise at the other end, compiled his innings with elegant drives and assured defence. Even after Sooryavanshi fell to a short ball, Mhatre ensured the tempo remained high, striking sixes early in his innings and bringing up his half-century off 43 balls. George reached his hundred off 94 deliveries with a crisp flick past mid-on, as India crossed 200 inside 25 overs.

Though Mhatre departed to a fine catch by Osman Sadat and George fell with India just 11 runs short of victory, the outcome was beyond doubt. Vihaan Malhotra stayed alongside George to all but seal Afghanistan’s fate as India completed the chase with ease.

Earlier in the day, Afghanistan had started steadily through Sadat and Khalid Ahmadzai before Deepesh Devendran provided the breakthrough. Shinozada and Niazai then rebuilt expertly, combining innovation with composure. Shinozada mixed ramps and reverse sweeps en route to his second consecutive World Cup century, while Niazai accelerated late to reach his hundred in the final over.

At the halfway stage, Afghanistan’s total looked formidable. But India’s fearless batting display turned a historic target into a manageable pursuit, underlining their dominance and setting up another shot at Under-19 World Cup glory.