HARARE: A sublime hundred from Aaron George propelled India to a record-breaking run chase as they defeated Afghanistan by seven wickets in the semi-finals of the Under-19 Cricket World Cup on Wednesday.

Chasing 311 — the highest target successfully pursued in the tournament’s history — India reached the mark with 8.5 overs to spare to set up a final against England on Friday.

Earlier, centuries from Faisal Khan and Uzairullah Niazai lifted Afghanistan to an imposing 310 for four after they elected to bat.

Afghanistan made a solid start through Khalid Ahmadzai (31) and Osman Sadat (39), who added 53 for the opening stand. Osman then combined with Faisal for a further 64 as the innings gathered momentum.

Faisal, who already had two half-centuries and a hundred in the competition, anchored the innings with a fluent 110, striking 15 boundaries. He shared a decisive 148-run partnership with Uzairullah as Afghanistan surged to 265 for three.

Uzairullah accelerated late in the innings and brought up his century, becoming only the second instance in tournament history where two batters scored hundreds in the same knockout match. He remained unbeaten on 101 as Afghanistan closed on 310 for four.

India’s reply began in emphatic fashion, led by 14-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who launched a blistering assault at the top. He struck four sixes in a 33-ball 68, reaching his half-century off just 25 deliveries and reducing the asking rate significantly before falling inside the first 10 overs with 90 on the board.

George, who had survived an early chance, then took charge of the chase. He found able support from captain Ayush Mhatre, with the pair adding 114 for the second wicket. Mhatre scored 62 before being dismissed by Nooristani Omarzai, leaving India still needing 107.

Vihaan Malhotra provided the finishing touches alongside George, surviving a reprieve off a no-ball before settling in. George eventually fell for a commanding 115 off 104 balls with victory in sight, but Malhotra ensured there were no further hiccups, finishing unbeaten on 38 as India sealed their place in the final.

Published in Dawn, February 5th, 2026