Sparkling Aaron George ton seals record chase, powers India into U19 WC final

On a batting beauty at the Harare Sports Club, India's assembly line of batting talent was out in full splendour in the Under-19 World Cup semifinal. There were two centurions in a statement innings from Afghanistan, but Uzairullah Niazai and Faisal Shinozada's knocks were rendered footnotes by a superb century from Aaron George, who led India's record chase of 311 with composure that belied his low scores from earlier in the tournament.

George hit 115 off 104, ably supported by half-centuries from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre, as India recorded the highest ever chase in U19 World Cup history. A sixth straight final beckons, with a Friday date against England for the title—a repeat of the 2022 final.

There was something poetic about George's redemption. A batter with a best of just 23 runs leading into this knockout game, he repaid the selectors' faith with interest—15 fours, 2 sixes, batting until only 11 runs were required. The chase was polished off with 53 balls to spare.

Afghanistan had clear chances. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was put down in the fifth over and George was reprieved by a dropped catch from Wahidullah Zadran. The drops proved costly as India's openers plundered 90 in 9.3 overs before Sooryavanshi fell for a 33-ball 68. Ayush Mhatre then built a 114-run stand with George.

George was barely troubled by spin or pace. A highlight was his ability to punch the ball on the up. He reached his century with a flick past mid-on for four, bringing the Indian dressing room to its feet. He fell in the 40th over, and Vihaan Malhotra stayed unbeaten on 38 to seal the seven-wicket win.

Earlier, Afghanistan, having won the toss, pushed India into chasing a record total. Openers Khalid Ahmadzai (31) and Osman Sadat (39) laid a steady foundation with a 53-run partnership.

Shinozada then tore into the attack with a magnificent 110 from 93 balls, celebrating with a "Siu" for his second consecutive hundred. Niazai played the perfect partner, unbeaten on 101 from 86. Their match-defining stand propelled Afghanistan past 300, with 111 runs in the final 10 overs. However, the slow-burn approach proved counterproductive against India's batting.

Brief scores: Afghanistan 310/4 in 50 overs (Faisal Shinozada 110, Uzairullah Niazai 101; Kanishk Chouhan 2-55) lost to India 311/3 in 41.1 overs (Aaron George 115, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 68, Ayush Mhatre 62) by 7 wickets.