Online Reporter
Don Makanyanga
All is set for a thrilling showdown as India and Afghanistan compete for the remaining spot in the final of the 2026 U-19 ICC Men’s World Cup at Harare Sports Club today.
The winner of this second semi-final will face England, who secured a berth with a 27-run victory over defending champions Australia yesterday at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
India aims to maintain its impressive form in the tournament, holding a perfect winning record thus far.
A victory today would mark their tenth appearance in an ICC U-19 World Cup final since the tournament’s inception in 1988.
However, India will need to overcome a determined Afghanistan team that is eager to reach their first final in this prestigious tournament.
As the two teams prepare to battle it out, cricket fans can expect an exciting contest filled with high stakes.
Afghanistan wins toss
Afghanistan have won the toss and elected to bat in the second semi-final of the 2026 ICC Men’s U-19 World Cup.
10 overs gone, Afghanistan are 43-0.
Wicket
India have claimed their first wicket of the day.
Khalid Ahmadzai is caught from behind by wicket-keeper Kundu off a Deepesh Devendran delivery.
Afghanistan are 53-1 after 12.2 overs.
Wicket
Afghanistan have lost their second wicket of the day. Osman is sent back to the pavilion after being caught by Deepesh Devendran from a Chouhan delivery
Afghanistan are 1172 after 24.1 overs
With five overs remaining, Afghanistan U-19 are now 253/2.
Wicket
India finally break Afghanistan’s third wicket partnership. After scoring back-to-back centuries, Faisal is bowled out by Deepesh Devendran.
It’s India’s third wicket of the day. Afghanistan are now 265-3 after 45.5 overs.
Wicket
India claim their fourth wicket. Meanwhile, Afghanistan are now 299-4 after 49 overs.
Innings break
Afghanistan have set India a target of 311 to secure a place in the final.
After winning the toss, Afghanistan opted to bat first, scoring a total of 310 runs in their allotted 50 overs for the loss of four wickets.
Afghanistan scored 111 runs in the last ten overs to push their total to 310.
Afghanistan are looking to secure their first final berth. For India, it will be their 11th final appearance at the ICC U-19 World Cup.
