Aaron George Stars As India Hunt Down 311 To Reach U-19 World Cup Final

Aaron George’s fluent century powered India to a record run-chase as the five-time champions stormed into the final of the 2026 ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup with a seven-wicket win over Afghanistan on Wednesday.

Chasing a daunting 311 in the second semi-final at the Harare Sports Club, India rode on George’s 115 off 104 balls, studded with 15 fours and two sixes, to overhaul the target in just 41.1 overs. He was well supported by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who smashed 68 off 33 deliveries, and captain Ayush Mhatre, who struck 62 off 39 balls, as India sealed their place in a title clash against England at the same venue on February 6. The victory took India into their 10th Under-19 World Cup final and a sixth successive appearance at the summit.

George, who had endured a quiet tournament until the knock-out stage, laid the foundation with a 90-run opening stand alongside Sooryavanshi before adding 114 for the second wicket with Mhatre and 96 for the third with Vihaan Malhotra (38 not out).

Earlier, Afghanistan posted an imposing 310/4 on the back of centuries from Faisal Shinozada (110) and Uzairullah Niazai (101 not out), but once India’s top order found its rhythm, the chase was completed with remarkable ease.

Brief scores: Afghanistan 310/4 (Faisal Shinozada 110, Uzairullah Niazai 101 not out; Kanishk Chouhan 2/55, Deepesh Devendran 2/64) lost to India 311/3 in 41.1 overs (Aaron George 115, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 68) by seven wickets.