India advanced to their 10th ICC Under-19 World Cup final after cruising to a seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the second semi-final at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday, setting up a title clash against England, 24NewHD TV reported.
Opting to bat first, Afghanistan posted an imposing 310 for four in their allotted 50 overs, built around centuries from Faisal Shinozada and Uzairullah Niazai.
The pair added 148 runs for the third wicket after openers Osman Sadat and Khalid Ahmadzai provided a solid start with knocks of 39 and 31, respectively.
Shinozada top-scored with a fluent 110 off 93 balls, striking 15 fours, while Niazai remained unbeaten on 101 from 86 deliveries, which included 12 fours and two sixes. For India, Deepesh Devendran and Kanishk Chohan picked up two wickets apiece.
Despite the challenging target, the former champions made light work of the chase, reaching 311 for three with 53 balls to spare.
Opener Aaron George led the charge with a composed yet aggressive 115 off 104 balls, featuring 15 fours and two sixes.
He was well supported by opening partner Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who provided a blistering start with a 33-ball 68, smashing nine fours and four sixes.
Captain Ayush Mhatre anchored the innings after Sooryavanshi’s dismissal, scoring 62 off 59 balls with five fours and four sixes before being dismissed in the 27th over.
Nooristani Omarzai was the most effective Afghan bowler, finishing with two for 64, while Wahidullah Zadran claimed one wicket.