U19 World Cup 2026: Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Aaron George shatter records as Team India march into 10th final

U19 World Cup 2026: Aaron George’s brilliant century alongside explosive half-centuries from IPL stars Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre powered India to their 10th ICC U19 World Cup final with a seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan here on Wednesday.

India will face England in the U19 World Cup final

India will now take on England in the final which is scheduled for Friday, February 7.

Afghanistan posted a challenging total of 310/4, thanks to centuries from Faisal Shinozada (110) and Uzairullah Niazai (101).

However, India comfortably chased down the target in 41.1 overs, marking their highest-ever chase in U19 World Cup history. Aaron led the charge with a brilliant 115 off 104 balls.

He received strong support from Suryavanshi (68 off 33 balls) and Mhatre (62 off 59 balls) as India maintained a run rate above seven throughout the innings.

Suryavanshi, who is known for his explosive batting, gave India a flying start with a flurry of boundaries, particularly against off-spinner Wahidullah Zadran. However, after repeated attempts at the pull shot eventually led to his dismissal off Omarzai’s delivery.

Aaron and Mhatre guided India past 200 in the 27th over

Aaron then joined Mhatre to add a crucial 114 runs in just over 17 overs, taking India past 200 in the 27th over. Mhatre, who has been in a disappointing form in the tournament smashed a fifty, showcasing his complete range of shots.

Aaron once again played the anchor’s role after Mhatre’s dismissal as he continued to bat with the same calm composure he had shown throughout the innings. He reached his century off 95 balls, elegantly tucking one past mid-wicket for a boundary.

Aaron and Vihaan added 96 runs for 3rd wicket partnership

He along with Vihaan Malhotra added 96 runs for the third-wicket partnership as India cruised to victory.

Faisal Shinozada scored 110 off 93 balls, while Uzairullah Niazai impressed with an unbeaten knock of 101 off 86 deliveries.

After opting to bat, Afghanistan got off to a solid start, with openers Osman Sadat and Khalid Ahmadzai adding 53 runs before pacer Deepesh Devendran broke through in the 13th over. Ahmadzai, attempting a drive, got a slight inside edge that carried through to wicketkeeper Abhigyan Kundu, finishing on 31 off 39 balls.

Faisal then added 64 runs for the second wicket with Sadat, laying the foundation for a strong total. However, India struck back in the 25th over when spin-bowling all-rounder Kanishk Chouhan had Sadat caught at long-off after a reckless shot. Sadat ended with 39 runs from 70 balls.