In a thrilling Under-19 World Cup semifinal clash at Harare Sports Club, Afghanistan has thrown down the gauntlet to India with a formidable total of 310 for 4 in 50 overs. Faisal Shinwari and Uzairullah Niyazi smashed sensational centuries, propelling their side to a massive 311-run target in the race for the final.
Captain winning the toss and opting to bat first proved a masterstroke. Openers Usman Sadat and Khalid Ahmadzai laid a solid platform, racing to 53 runs in just 12.2 overs before Ahmadzai fell for 31 off 39 balls, laced with five boundaries.
Sadat anchored the innings next, partnering Shinwari to add 64 crucial runs for the second wicket. Sadat’s gritty 39 came off 70 deliveries with three fours, pushing the score past 100. But the real fireworks came from the Shinwari-Niyazi duo, who forged a match-defining 148-run stand for the third wicket off 130 balls.
Shinwari’s elegant 110 off 93 balls, featuring 15 fours, ended just short of a dream knock, but Niyazi remained unbeaten on 101 from 86 balls, smashing two sixes and 12 boundaries. India’s bowlers Deepesh Devendran and Kanisk Chauhan picked up two wickets apiece, but couldn’t stem the tide.
India stormed into the semis on a hot streak, thrashing USA, Bangladesh, and New Zealand before demolishing Zimbabwe by 204 runs and Pakistan by 58 runs in Super Sixes Group 2. Afghanistan, meanwhile, overcame South Africa, West Indies, and Tanzania, bouncing back from a loss to Sri Lanka with a massive 191-run win over Ireland.
India’s lineup features captain Ayush Mhatre, opener Aaron George, and keeper Abhigyan Kundu. Afghanistan banks on skipper Mahboob Khan and opener Sadat. As India faces this Herculean chase, the young guns are set for an epic battle under the African sun.