India pull off highest run-chase in U19 WC history to reach final against England
Harare, February 4
Team India made history as they chased down the highest target in the history of the U19 World Cup in the semifinal against Afghanistan at Harare on Wednesday.
India's U19 dominance continued as a masterclass century from Aaron George and power-packed fifties from star batting duo of Vaibhav Suryavanshi took India to the final of the U19 WC against England scheduled for Friday.
After Afghanistan made 310/4 after electing to bat first on back of centuries from Faizal Shinozada (110 in 93 balls, with 15 fours) and Uzairullah Niazai (101* in 86 balls, with 12 fours and two sixes), the Indian counter-attack was just as brutal with a quickfire 90-run stand out of which Suryavanshi clubbed 68 by himself in just 33 balls, with nine fours and four sixes. George (115 in 104 balls, with 15 fours and two sixes) struck around to make big partnerships with skipper Mhatre (62 in 59 balls, with five fours and four sixes) and Vihaan Malhotra (38* in 47 balls, with three fours) as India chased the total in just 41.1 overs with seven wickets intact.
This is also India's best run-chase in U19 ODIs, outdoing 304 runs against England at Taunton in 2002.
Men in Blue will be fighting for their sixth men's U19 title on Friday, aiming to make another ICC trophy for India in the last two years after two Under-19 T20 World Cup Women's titles, the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 title, the ICC Champions Trophy title and the maiden ICC Women's World Cup last year.
— ANI
Reader Comments
So proud of our colts! They chased it down with so many overs to spare. The batting depth is incredible. Now, bring home that 6th title on Friday! England, we are coming for you.
While the batting was phenomenal, we must also appreciate the Afghan boys. They scored 310! Our bowlers had an off day, to be honest. Need to tighten up before the final against a strong England side.
Watching from the UK, this was an incredible match. The Indian youngsters play with such maturity. Aaron George looks like a special talent. Best of luck for the final, it should be a cracker!
The pipeline just keeps producing! From the senior men's team to the women's team and now the U19s, India is dominating world cricket. This is the golden era. Jai Hind!
Vaibhav Suryavanshi's 68 off 33 changed the game completely. That's the kind of fearless cricket we love to see. Hope the IPL scouts were watching! 🔥
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