The Under-19 World Cup semifinal delivered fireworks as Afghanistan, led by centurions Shinwari and Niyazi, racked up 310 for 4, daring India to chase 311 at Harare Sports Club. A spot in the 2026 final hangs in the balance.
Post-toss batting choice paid dividends. Sadat-Ahmadzai opener stand: 53 (12.2 overs). Ahmadzai 31 (39b,5×4); Sadat 39 (70b,3×4) with Shinwari added 64. The highlight: Shinwari (110,93b,15×4) & Niyazi (101*,86b,12×4,2×6) 148-run stand.
India’s Deepesh Devendran, Kanisk Chauhan: 2 wickets each. India’s rampage: Wins vs USA, Bangladesh, NZ; Super Sixes: Zimbabwe (204r), Pakistan (58r). Afghanistan: Beat SA, WI, Tanzania; post-SL loss, Ireland (191r win).
India XI: Aaron George, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Ayush Mhatre (c), Vedant Trivedi, Vihan Malhotra, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), RS Ambarish, Kanisk Chauhan, Khilan Patel, Henil Patel, Deepesh Devendran.
Afghanistan XI: Usman Sadat, Khalid Ahmadzai, Faisal Shinwari, Uzairullah Niyazi, Mahboob Khan (wk/c), Azizullah Miakhil, Abdul Aziz, Khater Stanikzai, Rohullah Arab, Nooristani Umarzai, Wahidullah Jandran.
As pressure mounts, India’s chase could redefine their campaign. Afghanistan’s bold total sets stage for potential upset.