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U19 World Cup

IND vs AFG Highlights, U19 World Cup semifinal: India hammer Afghanistan by 7 wickets to set up final vs England

India (IND) vs Afghanistan (AFG) Highlights, U19 World Cup 2026 semifinal: India beat Afghanistan by seven wickets on Wednesday at the Harare Sports Club to qualify for the final, where they will face England.

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Ayush Mhatre
Ayush Mhatre

Hi and welcome to India Today's live coverage of India vs Afghanistan, U19 World Cup semi-final in Harare.

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20:40 IST:
Rivals reunite for one last showdown - Then there were two. This emphatic win sets up a repeat of the 2022 ICC Under-19 World Cup final, with India and England set to meet again in the summit clash. Back then, it was India who came out on top, and they will be looking to do the same, while England will be desperate to settle the score and get their hands on the title for the first time since 1998. We will be back here at the Harare Sports Club on Friday, 6 February, for the grand finale. It gets underway at 7.30 am GMT (1 pm IST), but as you know, you can join us early for all the build-up to the clash. Until then, cheers and goodbye.
20:42 IST:
The victorious skipper of India Under-19 - Ayush Mhatre says it is a great feeling to have made the final. He feels Afghanistan got off to a nice start with the bat, but was pleased with how his side pulled things back through the middle phase. Mhatre also praisesAfghanistan for the way they finished their innings. He reveals that the message at the halfway mark was to play their natural game. He highlights the role of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the chase, saying his batting played a massive role in easing the pressure on those waiting in the dressing room. Mhatre reserves special praise for Aaron George, calling him a fabulous and classy batter. He shares that George looked confident at the crease and that the team always felt a big score from him was just around the corner. Ayush mentions that the approach for the final will be to keep things simple and show a good attitude on the field. He thanks the fans for their support and promises that the team will give their absolute best in the final. When asked about the short turnaround between games, Mhatre replies that the team is used to such schedules, having played plenty of cricket in India, where matches often come with just a day's gap.
20:37 IST:
The captain of Afghanistan Under-19 - Mahboob Khan says that it was a good total, but they dropped two catches, and the bowlers did not hit the correct lengths, which cost them. Adds that the batting was really good but it was a bad day for them. Praises Faisal Khan for his batting, says he is the best scorer in the tournament and calls him a future star. Also credits Uzairullah Niazai for his ton, and tells that the wicket was really good for batting and stayed the same. Mentions that it was a big total to defend, but they just could not do that, and it is part of the game. Ends by saying that he is proud of his team, qualifying through the group stages and working really hard to make it to the semis.
20:38 IST:
PLAYER OF THE MATCH - Aaron George has been given the award for his fantastic 115 off 104 balls. He says he is grateful for the opportunity and delighted to be able to contribute in such a crucial game for the team. He admits the runs had not come in recent matches, but felt his batting was in a good place and trusted that a performance like this was just around the corner. George adds that he kept believing in himself, backed his process, and was pleased to see it come together when it mattered most. He also credits the collective effort, saying everyone played to their full potential on the day, and now the focus shifts to the final, which he says the team is really looking forward to.
20:31 IST:
Presentation Time...
20:37 IST:
Afghan attack put to the sword - Well, what can you say about the Afghanistan bowling? They were taken apart from the very start. Dropping both Indian openers inside the first 10 overs proved hugely costly and, in many ways, decided the game right there, as they simply could not recover from those missed opportunities. Even though Nooristani picked up a couple of wickets, the damage was already done, while Wahid Zadran and Abdul Aziz had one each, with Aziz also overstepping on a wicket ball to sum up a night where both their bowling and fielding lacked the sharpness needed against a quality opposition in a knockout game.
20:26 IST:
Twin tons set the tone in a run-fest - Earlier in the game, Afghanistan piled on a massive total, powered by twin centuries from Faisal Khan and Uzairullah Niazai, who stitched together a commanding 148-run stand for the third wicket. Their late surge was particularly brutal, with 111 runs coming in the final 10 overs, although with wickets in hand and a true batting surface, they might feel they left a few more out there by not accelerating earlier. For India Under-19, D. Deepesh and Kanishk Chouhan claimed a couple of wickets apiece, but there are clear concerns around the bowling, especially at the death, an area they will need to tidy up quickly before the big finale.
20:43 IST:
Top order makes light work of a big chase - In a big chase like this, you need a fast start, and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivered exactly that with a sublime 68 off just 33 balls, setting the tone early as he and Aaron George raced to 91 in 10 overs, a stand that virtually broke the back of the chase. Ayush Mhatre then took over, smashing his way to his second half-century of the campaign while adding another dominant 114-run partnership with George, who was the star with 115 off 104 balls to take India to the cusp of victory, even if he would have been disappointed not to finish the job himself, and with all of the top four among the runs, India go into the final full of confidence.
20:41 IST:
India storm into another U-19 World Cup final - In a battle of blues, it is the lighter shade that reigns supreme as India book their place in a 10th Men's Under-19 World Cup final, where they will meet England, returning to the summit clash after the heartbreak against Australia a couple of years ago. This is a statement performance in every sense, as they pull off the highest successful chase ever in Under-19 World Cups with almost nine overs to spare. However, there is still plenty of credit due to Afghanistan Under-19, who once again fall just short on the big stage and will have to wait a little longer to take that next step forward.
20:24 IST:
41.1: Wahid Zadran to Vedant Trivedi, India Under-19 are into the final! Zadran drops it short, slower through the air, on middle. Vedant turns it through square leg and picks up the winning run. India complete the highest successful run chase in Under-19 World Cups with relative ease. They get over the line with 7 wickets in hand and 53 balls to spare.
Score 310/3
BatsmanVihaan Malhotra 38(47b 3*4 0*6)
BowlerRohullah Arab 4-0-35-0
20:24 IST:
40.6: Rohullah Arab to Vihaan Malhotra, Scores are level! Fuller, around the off stump and quicker as well. Malhotra punches it down the ground to the right of long on. He calls for two, and Vedant gets home at the danger end before the throw comes in.
20:23 IST:
40.5: Rohullah Arab to Vihaan Malhotra, FOUR! Sweetly struck! Arab bowls it a bit short, on middle, Vihaan is quick to pick up the length and rocks on the back foot. Pulls it aerially and to the left of the long on fielder for a boundary. India need 3 more runs.
20:23 IST:
40.4: Rohullah Arab to Vihaan Malhotra, Pushed through, on a nagging length, on off. Vihaan plays it from the crease to cover.
20:23 IST:
40.3: Rohullah Arab to Vedant Trivedi, Shorter and outside off, a bit of turn, Trivedi cuts it to deep cover for a single.
20:23 IST:
40.2: Rohullah Arab to Vedant Trivedi, In line with the off stump, a bit fuller, Vedant pushes it to cover.
20:23 IST:
40.1: Rohullah Arab to Vedant Trivedi, Flat and short by Arab, outside off. The ball stays a bit low and Vedant chops it down to point.
20:14 IST:
Powerplay 3. Five fielders are allowed outside the circle, but with just 8 runs needed, it does not matter much now.
Score 303/3
BatsmanVihaan Malhotra 32(44b 2*4 0*6)
BowlerWahid Zadran 7-0-66-1
20:23 IST:
39.6: Wahid Zadran to Vihaan Malhotra, Full and speared in, on middle, Vihaan wrists it to mid-wicket.
20:23 IST:
39.5: Wahid Zadran to Vedant Trivedi, Full and on middle, Trivedi drives it to long on and gets to the other end.
20:23 IST:
39.4: Wahid Zadran to Vedant Trivedi, Fractionally short, on middle. Trivedi works it using his wrists through mid-wicket for a couple of runs. 
20:09 IST:
India Under-19 are almost home, but still the job needs to be finished. Vedant Trivedi joins Vihaan Malhotra out in the middle now.
20:23 IST:
39.3: Wahid Zadran to Aaron George, OUT! CAUGHT! Aaron George throws his head back in disappointment. He wanted to be there right till the end. This is dropped short by Zadran, on off. Aaron stays on the back foot and looks to slice it behind square with an open bat face. Hits it flat and straight to the sub fielder, Nazif Amiri at backward point, who takes the catch around his waist. George walks off for 115 (104) with the finishing line in sight for his team. The 96-run stand is broken. India are 300/3, needing 11 runs more.
20:23 IST:
39.2: Wahid Zadran to Vihaan Malhotra, A bit of grip and turn, on the shorter side, on off. Vihaan presses back and tugs it to long on for a single. 300 comes up for India.
20:23 IST:
39.1: Wahid Zadran to Aaron George, Floated up, full and on off, Aaron whips it along the ground to long on for a run.
Score 298/2
BatsmanVihaan Malhotra 31(42b 2*4 0*6)
BowlerNooristani 10-0-64-2
20:23 IST:
38.6: Nooristani to Vihaan Malhotra, Length delivery, on off, Malhotra strokes it to mid off.
20:23 IST:
38.5: Nooristani to Vihaan Malhotra, On a shortish length, across off, Vihaan stands up tall on his toes and fends it down.
20:23 IST:
38.4: Nooristani to Vihaan Malhotra, FOUR LEG BYES! Nooristani sprays the full ball, down leg, Vihaan fails to connect with the glance. The ball brushes the pads and beats the diving keeper to his right for four leg byes.
20:23 IST:
38.3: Nooristani to Aaron George, Hits the deck hard, on off, Aaron knocks it off the back foot through covers for a single.
20:23 IST:
38.2: Nooristani to Vihaan Malhotra, Short and wide on off, Malhotra rises with the bounce and slaps it to deep cover for a single.
20:23 IST:
38.1: Nooristani to Aaron George, On a length, on off, Aaron leans on and punches it between cover and mid off for a quick single.
Score 291/2
BatsmanVihaan Malhotra 30(38b 2*4 0*6)
BowlerAbdul Aziz 10-0-70-0
20:02 IST:
37.6: Abdul Aziz to Vihaan Malhotra, Lands it on a back of a length, on off, Vihaan guides it to backward point.
20:28 IST:
37.5: Abdul Aziz to Aaron George, On a hard length, over off, Aaron gets his hands and drops it down with soft hands beside the strip on the off side for a single.
20:28 IST:
37.4: Abdul Aziz to Aaron George, FOUR! Stunning shot! Aziz bowls it fuller than the previous ball, on off and middle. Aaron plays the lofted drive with a straight bat and clears mid off with ease for four more.
20:28 IST:
37.3: Abdul Aziz to Aaron George, FOUR! Put away with disdain! On a back of a length, on middle. This sits up to be hit and Aaron latches onto it. He pulls it hard and in front of square for a four.
20:28 IST:
37.2: Abdul Aziz to Vihaan Malhotra, Angled in at the pads, Vihaan makes use of the angle and nurdles it through mid-wicket for a run.
20:27 IST:
37.1: Abdul Aziz to Aaron George, Leg bye! On a length, on leg, George misses out on the tickle. A leg bye is taken as the ball goes off the pads to short fine leg.
Score 280/2
BatsmanAaron George 103(96b 13*4 2*6)
BowlerKhatir Stanikzai 9-0-52-0
20:30 IST:
36.6: Abdul Aziz to Aaron George, Direct hit! On a length, on off, Aaron plays a punchy drive between cover and mid off. There is a direct hit at the batting end and the ball deflects towards deep third. The batters think about running the second but they eventually decide against it. The umpires want to be sure that Malhotra is in and they refer it upstairs. The replays find Malhotra to be home comfortably
20:30 IST:
36.5: Khatir Stanikzai to Aaron George, FOUR! Just a push and it races away. That brings up the HUNDRED for Aaron George. After a barren run across the last three games coming into this one, Aaron has come to the party in a pressure game. The relieved look on his face says it all. On a length, on middle. George just checks his drive and plays it using his bottom hand between mid-wicket and mid on for a four to reach the landmark. Aaron takes the helmet off to celebrate this moment. 
20:29 IST:
36.4: Khatir Stanikzai to Vihaan Malhotra, On off, a length ball, Malhotra works it wide of mid off and gets to the other end.
20:29 IST:
36.3: Khatir Stanikzai to Vihaan Malhotra, Two leg byes! Fuller and sliding onto the pads. Vihaan fails to lay any bat on the tickle. The ball clips the pads and goes to the left of deep fine leg for a couple of leg byes.
20:29 IST:
36.2: Khatir Stanikzai to Vihaan Malhotra, Fuller and on off, Vihaan stabs it down on the off side.
20:29 IST:
36.1: Khatir Stanikzai to Aaron George, On a good length, outside off, this is eased through covers for a single. 
Score 271/2
BatsmanVihaan Malhotra 28(33b 2*4 0*6)
BowlerAbdul Aziz 9-0-60-0
19:52 IST:
35.6: Abdul Aziz to Vihaan Malhotra, A bit fuller, on off, Vihaan pushes it to cover off the front foot.
19:51 IST:
35.5: Abdul Aziz to Vihaan Malhotra, A bit of hesitation but no harm done! On a good length, on off, Malhotra plays it in front of cover. Aaron is keen for a single and is halfway down the track before being sent back. Luckiy for him, the fielder fumbles and that allows him to get back.
19:50 IST:
35.4: Abdul Aziz to Vihaan Malhotra, In the channel, on a back of a length, Vihaan Malhotra angles it to point. 
19:50 IST:
35.3: Abdul Aziz to Vihaan Malhotra, Another good effort in the field! On a back of a length, over middle. Malhotra swivels and pulls it behind square leg. The fielder in the deep moves to his left and sticks out his left hand. He prevents the ball from bouncing past him and saves a couple of runs for his side.
19:49 IST:
35.3: Abdul Aziz to Vihaan Malhotra, Oh, dear! A top-quality catch by Abdul Aziz but it all goes in vain. This is pitched up, on off, Malhotra pushes out in front of the body, looking to drive it down the ground. He is unable to keep the shot along the ground, and it goes at shin height towards the bowler. Abdul gets low on his follow-through and snaffles it. Vihaan is on his way back but he is asked to wait by the umpires. The third umpire is called into action to check for a no ball. In one of the two side on angles, Aaron George is in the way and the front foot of the bowler is not visible. The other angle is touch and go but the decision goes in favour of the batter. Malhotra survives. NO BALL given. Free Hit coming up.
19:46 IST:
35.2: Abdul Aziz to Vihaan Malhotra, On a short of a length, in the channel. Malhotra extends his hands and pats it to cover.
19:46 IST:
35.1: Abdul Aziz to Vihaan Malhotra, In and around the off pole, on a nagging length, tapped to cover by Vihaan.
Score 268/2
BatsmanVihaan Malhotra 26(26b 2*4 0*6)
BowlerKhatir Stanikzai 8-0-45-0
19:45 IST:
34.6: Khatir Stanikzai to Vihaan Malhotra, Buzzers! Khatir serves it on a back of a length, on off. Vihaan pushes it in front of mid off and takes a quick single. There is a shy at the bowling end and the throw hits the stumps. It deflects away between mid-wicket and mid on, allowing the batters to take two more runs. The third umpire is summoned to check whether Vihaan was in and the replays confirm that he was well in. 
19:43 IST:
34.5: Khatir Stanikzai to Aaron George, Good effort! Khatir lands it on a short of a length, on middle. Aaron presents a high elbow and punches it with a straight bat down the ground. The mid on fielder dives to his left and saves at least a couple of runs for his side.
19:43 IST:
34.4: Khatir Stanikzai to Vihaan Malhotra, Angled into the pads, on a back of a length, Vihaan helps it from the crease to deep fine leg and crosses over.
19:42 IST:
34.4: Khatir Stanikzai to Vihaan Malhotra, Wide! Sprayed down leg, on the fuller side. Vihaan fails to get it away. Mahboob Khan does well to move to his right and get a glove on it, preventing the ball from going past him.
19:41 IST:
34.3: Khatir Stanikzai to Vihaan Malhotra, Tucking the batter up for room, on a hard length, Malhotra stands tall and dabs it to point. George is keen for a single but is sent back by Vihaan in time.
19:41 IST:
34.2: Khatir Stanikzai to Aaron George, On a back of a length, across off, Aaron cuts it to backward point, where the fielder dives to his right and makes a half-stop. Just a single.
19:40 IST:
34.1: Khatir Stanikzai to Vihaan Malhotra, Full and on middle, Vihaan strokes it wide of mid off for a single.
Score 260/2
BatsmanAaron George 95(91b 12*4 2*6)
BowlerAbdul Aziz 8-0-57-0
19:39 IST:
33.6: Abdul Aziz to Aaron George, Bangs in a bouncer, just outside off, Aaron George ducks under it.
19:38 IST:
33.5: Abdul Aziz to Aaron George, FOUR! Excellent shot! Pitched up and on middle. Aaron George presents the full face of the bat, drives it on the up back past the bowler and it races away to the boundary. He moves to 95 now.
19:38 IST:
33.4: Abdul Aziz to Aaron George, Fuller and on off, Aaron George pushes it to short cover.
19:37 IST:
33.3: Abdul Aziz to Aaron George, FOUR! Class written all over it! Short of a length and around off. Aaron George takes a couple of steps forward, gets on top of the bounce and punches it sweetly through cover-point for a boundary.
19:36 IST:
33.2: Abdul Aziz to Aaron George, Drags the length back, on top of off, Aaron rides the bounce and punches it to cover.
19:36 IST:
33.1: Abdul Aziz to Vihaan Malhotra, From around the wicket, full and on off, Vihaan pushes out in front of his body and knocks it to the right of mid off for a quick single.
19:42 IST:
DRINKS! The result is almost a formality now unless the Afghans can pull out something special. India Under-19 have ticked most of the boxes, and with all the top order batters getting into runs, they will feel a lot better about themselves going into the big clash. For Afghanistan Under-19, it looks like another missed opportunity, but they will still want to fight till the end and make it as tough as possible for the Indians.
Score 251/2
BatsmanAaron George 87(86b 10*4 2*6)
BowlerKhatir Stanikzai 7-0-37-0
19:32 IST:
32.6: Khatir Stanikzai to Aaron George, Keeps the stumps in play, on a length, George knocks it to mid off.
19:31 IST:
32.5: Khatir Stanikzai to Vihaan Malhotra, Tight single! Fuller and on off, Vihaan pats it in front of mid off and sets off for the run. Nooristani at mid off runs in and gets low, but a bad bounce results in him failing to pick the ball up in one go.
19:30 IST:
32.4: Khatir Stanikzai to Aaron George, On a good length, across off, Aaron plays a punchy drive between cover and mid off and crosses over.
19:30 IST:
32.3: Khatir Stanikzai to Vihaan Malhotra, Gets the yorker in, on middle. Malhotra digs it out wide of cover for a single.
19:29 IST:
32.3: Khatir Stanikzai to Vihaan Malhotra, Wide! Full and down leg, Vihaan fails to lay any bat on the tickle.
19:29 IST:
32.2: Khatir Stanikzai to Vihaan Malhotra, FOUR! Misfield in the deep! A wide yorker, outside off. Vihaan Malhotra opens the face of his bat and squeezes it out through backward point. The fielder from deep third runs to his left, dives and gets to the ball but lets it through for a boundary.
19:27 IST:
32.1: Khatir Stanikzai to Vihaan Malhotra, Fuller and on middle, Vihaan Malhotra knocks it towards mid off.
Score 243/2
BatsmanVihaan Malhotra 14(17b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerAbdul Aziz 7-0-48-0
19:26 IST:
31.6: Abdul Aziz to Vihaan Malhotra, Ouch! Bangs this into the pitch, on middle, takes pace off, Vihaan Malhotra goes through his pull shot early and misses. It deflects off his back towards short third and the batter gets a leg bye.
19:26 IST:
31.5: Abdul Aziz to Vihaan Malhotra, Fuller in length and on off, Vihaan Malhotra drives it away to mid off.
19:25 IST:
31.4: Abdul Aziz to Vihaan Malhotra, Good length and on middle, angling in, Vihaan Malhotra pats it back to the bowler.
19:24 IST:
31.3: Abdul Aziz to Aaron George, On off, on a length, this is punched through covers for a single.
19:24 IST:
31.2: Abdul Aziz to Vihaan Malhotra, Around off, on a short of a length. Vihaan gets on top of it and punches it wide of cover for a single.
19:23 IST:
31.1: Abdul Aziz to Vihaan Malhotra, Half a shout for caught behind! Aziz steams in from around the wicket, on a back of a length, targeting the top of off. Malhotra stays leg side of the ball and gets on his toes to deal with it. The ball goes past the outside edge and sneaks over the top of the off stump.
Score 240/2
BatsmanAaron George 85(83b 10*4 2*6)
BowlerNooristani 9-0-61-2
19:22 IST:
30.6: Nooristani to Aaron George, Full and outside off, Aaron reaches out and angles it to backward point.
19:21 IST:
30.5: Nooristani to Aaron George, SIX! Effortless! Nooristani pitches it up, on middle. George shows the full face of the bat and swings through the line. He does not try to overhit this one. Just holds his shape and lofts it over the long on fence for a six.
19:21 IST:
30.5: Nooristani to Vihaan Malhotra, Two wides! Down leg by Nooristani, on a short of a length. Vihaan misses out on the glance. The ball bursts through the gloves of the keeper, Mahboob Khan and goes behind, allowing the batters to cross for one.
19:20 IST:
30.4: Nooristani to Vihaan Malhotra, Pushed across the left-hander, on a short of a good length. Malhotra stands tall to punch it away but the ball keeps low and he misses.
19:20 IST:
30.3: Nooristani to Aaron George, Nooristani goes into the surface again, on off. George waits on the back foot and shovels it to deep square leg for another single.
19:20 IST:
30.2: Nooristani to Vihaan Malhotra, On a hard length, at the bodyline of the batter. Vihaan swivels in the crease and pulls it through square leg for one more.
19:18 IST:
30.1: Nooristani to Aaron George, On a length, on middle, George presents a straight bat and plays it on the rise to long on for a single.
Score 229/2
BatsmanAaron George 77(79b 10*4 1*6)
BowlerAbdul Aziz 6-0-46-0
19:18 IST:
29.6: Abdul Aziz to Aaron George, Length again, on off, Aaron George opens the face of his bat and steers it through point for one more.
19:22 IST:
Sabyasachi says

IND-U19 vs AFG-U19 Live: George nearing century

Aaron George is closing in on his hundred as India sit less than 70 runs away from a semi-final victory. With 19 overs remaining, India hold a commanding position, and George will be keen to capitalize on the situation, steering his side closer to a dominant finish.

 

19:17 IST:
29.5: Abdul Aziz to Vihaan Malhotra, On a length and around off, Vihaan Malhotra pushes it through covers for one. He wants the second run but is sent back.
19:16 IST:
29.4: Abdul Aziz to Aaron George, Full again and on the pads, Aaron George flicks it away to deep square leg for another run.
19:15 IST:
29.3: Abdul Aziz to Aaron George, Goes fuller and on off, Aaron George knocks it towards mid off.
19:15 IST:
29.2: Abdul Aziz to Vihaan Malhotra, A wide yorker, outside off, Vihaan Malhotra squeezes it out through point for a run.
19:14 IST:
29.1: Abdul Aziz to Aaron George, Back of a length and on off, Aaron George dabs it down towards point for a single.
19:14 IST:
Abdul Aziz returns to the attack. 5-0-41-0 so far for the right-arm quick.
Score 224/2
BatsmanVihaan Malhotra 10(8b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerNooristani 8-0-50-2
19:13 IST:
28.6: Nooristani to Vihaan Malhotra, Risky running! Fuller and on leg, Vihaan Malhotra clips it away through square leg and calls for the second run. The fielder from the deep is quick to get to the ball, but his throw is well wide of the keeper. A better throw would have had Vihaan there, who was struggling and had to put in the dive.
19:12 IST:
28.5: Nooristani to Aaron George, Length again, on middle, Aaron George pats it towards mid on for one.
19:12 IST:
28.4: Nooristani to Aaron George, On a length and on off, Aaron George pushes it towards short cover.
19:11 IST:
28.3: Nooristani to Vihaan Malhotra, Short of a length and on off, Vihaan Malhotra dabs it down towards point for a single.
19:11 IST:
28.2: Nooristani to Vihaan Malhotra, Nicely bowled! Back of a length and on off, nips away off the deck. Vihaan Malhotra gets squared up trying to play at that and it zips past the outside edge. 
19:10 IST:
28.1: Nooristani to Aaron George, Fuller and down the leg side, Aaron George fails to flick it away and it goes off his pads wide of short fine. A leg bye taken.
Score 219/2
BatsmanVihaan Malhotra 7(5b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerWahid Zadran 6-0-61-0
19:09 IST:
27.6: Wahid Zadran to Vihaan Malhotra, Slows it up, full and on middle and leg, Vihaan Malhotra turns it to the leg side.
19:09 IST:
27.5: Wahid Zadran to Aaron George, Arm ball, short and on middle and leg, Aaron George forces it to long on for one. 
19:08 IST:
27.4: Wahid Zadran to Aaron George, FOUR! Top class from Aaron George! Flighted, full and on off, Aaron George gets a good stride out to take the front foot closer to the ball. He caresses it with a high elbow through covers for a boundary.
19:07 IST:
27.3: Wahid Zadran to Vihaan Malhotra, Flatter, full and on leg, Vihaan Malhotra tucks it away towards mid-wicket for a run.
19:07 IST:
27.2: Wahid Zadran to Vihaan Malhotra, FOUR! Lovely shot! Floated, short and around off. Vihaan Malhotra moves back, gets on top of the bounce and punches it with sweet timing through extra cover for a boundary.
19:06 IST:
27.1: Wahid Zadran to Aaron George, Tossed up, full and on off, Aaron George pushes it towards short cover for a quick single.
Score 208/2
BatsmanAaron George 67(69b 9*4 1*6)
BowlerNooristani 7-0-46-2
19:06 IST:
26.6: Nooristani to Aaron George, Hard length and on off, Aaron George punches it towards extra cover for one more.
19:05 IST:
26.5: Nooristani to Vihaan Malhotra, Hard length and on off, Vihaan Malhotra pats it in front of short cover and calls for the run. Aaron George responds well and gets to the other end, with the fielder failing to pick it up cleanly.
19:04 IST:
26.4: Nooristani to Aaron George, Fuller and on off, Aaron George drills it towards mid off for a run.
19:04 IST:
26.3: Nooristani to Vihaan Malhotra, Back of a length and around off, Vihaan Malhotra guides it to deep third for a single.
19:11 IST:
The 114-run partnership is broken. Vihaan Malhotra is the new batter. Can Afghanistan Under-19 build on this breakthrough?
19:04 IST:
26.2: Nooristani to Ayush Mhatre, OUT! TAKEN! It is the same duo that gave Afghanistan Under-19 the first breakthrough. This is fuller and angling into leg. Ayush Mhatre looks to flick it away, but goes at it half-heartedly and closes the bat face early as well. It takes the top edge and flies high in the air over mid-wicket. Osman Sadat turns around and runs after it. He dives in front to take a stunning catch. Mhatre goes back for a well-made 62 off 59. India Under-19 are 204/2, still needing 107 runs in 142 balls.
19:01 IST:
26.1: Nooristani to Ayush Mhatre, Good length and on middle, Ayush Mhatre pats it back to the bowler.
Score 204/1
BatsmanAaron George 65(67b 9*4 1*6)
BowlerWahid Zadran 5-0-50-0
19:00 IST:
25.6: Wahid Zadran to Aaron George, Quicker, full and on off, Aaron George drills it straight to cover.
19:00 IST:
25.5: Wahid Zadran to Ayush Mhatre, Tossed up, full and on middle, Ayush Mhatre lofts it on the bounce to long off for one.
19:00 IST:
25.4: Wahid Zadran to Aaron George, Slows it up, full and on middle, Aaron George drives it to long off for a run.
18:59 IST:
25.3: Wahid Zadran to Aaron George, Floated, full and on off, Aaron George pushes it to short cover.
18:59 IST:
25.2: Wahid Zadran to Ayush Mhatre, Short and on middle, Ayush Mhatre punches it to long off for a single.
18:59 IST:
25.1: Wahid Zadran to Ayush Mhatre, Flatter, full and on middle, Ayush Mhatre stays back and blocks it out.
Score 201/1
BatsmanAyush Mhatre 60(54b 5*4 4*6)
BowlerNooristani 6-0-42-1
18:58 IST:
24.6: Nooristani to Ayush Mhatre, Hard length and outside off, Ayush Mhatre punches it through covers for one.
18:57 IST:
24.5: Nooristani to Ayush Mhatre, Pitched up and on middle, Ayush Mhatre knocks it towards mid off.
18:56 IST:
24.4: Nooristani to Ayush Mhatre, Slower, full and on leg, Ayush Mhatre misses his flick and gets hit on the pads.
18:56 IST:
24.3: Nooristani to Aaron George, Full again and outside off, Aaron George reaches out and drills it to sweeper cover for a run. 200 UP FOR INDIA, and we are not even halfway through the innings. 
18:55 IST:
24.2: Nooristani to Aaron George, Fuller and on off, Aaron George drives it through covers for a brace.
18:55 IST:
24.1: Nooristani to Ayush Mhatre, Fuller and on leg, Ayush Mhatre eases it to long on for a single.
Score 196/1
BatsmanAyush Mhatre 58(50b 5*4 4*6)
BowlerWahid Zadran 4-0-47-0
18:54 IST:
23.6: Wahid Zadran to Ayush Mhatre, Another quick delivery, on middle, short as well, Ayush Mhatre heaves it to deep mid-wicket for one.
18:57 IST:
Sabyasachi says

U19 World Cup Live: India march along

Aaron George and Ayush Mhatre have been coasting along as the required run rate dips below 4.50. With nine wickets in hand, it’s a near‑smooth cruise for India from here, allowing them to play freely and steadily build a commanding total.

 

18:53 IST:
23.5: Wahid Zadran to Ayush Mhatre, FOUR! Excellent shot! Pushed through quicker, shortish and around off. Ayush Mhatre is quick to move back and crunches it through covers. Uzairullah Niazai gives chase and dives but fails to stop the boundary.
18:53 IST:
23.4: Wahid Zadran to Aaron George, Flighted, full and on off, Aaron George drives it to long off for a run.
18:52 IST:
23.3: Wahid Zadran to Ayush Mhatre, Goes short and on off, Ayush Mhatre punches it to long off for a single. That brings up the 100-RUN STAND between these two batters.
18:52 IST:
23.2: Wahid Zadran to Ayush Mhatre, Floated, full and on middle, Ayush Mhatre tucks it to short mid-wicket.
18:52 IST:
23.1: Wahid Zadran to Ayush Mhatre, Flatter, full and outside off, skids through, Ayush Mhatre looks to guide it away but misses.
Score 189/1
BatsmanAyush Mhatre 52(45b 4*4 4*6)
BowlerNooristani 5-0-37-1
18:51 IST:
22.6: Nooristani to Ayush Mhatre, Pitched up and around off, Ayush Mhatre drills it wide of mid off for one more.
18:50 IST:
22.5: Nooristani to Aaron George, Back of a length and on off, Aaron George runs it down to deep third for one.
18:50 IST:
22.4: Nooristani to Ayush Mhatre, Slower one, full and outside off, Ayush Mhatre steers it towards point for one.
18:49 IST:
22.3: Nooristani to Aaron George, On a length and on middle, Aaron George nudges it through mid-wicket for a run.
18:49 IST:
22.2: Nooristani to Aaron George, Hard length and around off, Aaron George stabs it out to short extra cover.
18:48 IST:
22.1: Nooristani to Ayush Mhatre, FIFTY FOR MHATRE! A captain's knock, and this should give him a lot of confidence going ahead. Back of a length and around off, Ayush Mhatre steers it wide of point for a single. He looks up to the sky and then raises his bat.
18:48 IST:
Nooristani (4-0-32-1) is back.
Score 184/1
BatsmanAaron George 58(58b 9*4 1*6)
BowlerUzairullah Niazai 1-0-8-0
18:46 IST:
21.6: Uzairullah Niazai to Aaron George, FOUR! Gets it through! Shorter in length and outside off, Aaron George makes room and reaches out for it. He cuts it away and finds the gap between cover-point and point for a boundary.
18:46 IST:
21.5: Uzairullah Niazai to Aaron George, FOUR BYES! That beats everyone! This is slower through the air, short and on leg, turns in sharply and keeps low as well. Aaron George backs away but fails to lay his bat on it. Mahboob Khan, the keeper, is busy appealing, but he did not have any chance of stopping that as the ball kept very low and rolled behind to the fence for a boundary.
18:46 IST:
21.4: Uzairullah Niazai to Ayush Mhatre, Floated, full and on middle, Ayush Mhatre drives it to long off for one. 
18:45 IST:
21.3: Uzairullah Niazai to Aaron George, Quicker one, full and on middle, Aaron George drills it to long on for another run.
18:45 IST:
21.2: Uzairullah Niazai to Ayush Mhatre, Goes short and on middle and leg, Ayush Mhatre punches it to long on for a run.
18:45 IST:
21.1: Uzairullah Niazai to Aaron George, Flatter, full and on leg, Aaron George clips it through square leg for a single.
Score 172/1
BatsmanAyush Mhatre 47(40b 4*4 4*6)
BowlerKhatir Stanikzai 6-0-29-0
18:44 IST:
20.6: Khatir Stanikzai to Ayush Mhatre, Overpitched and around off, Ayush Mhatre drills it straight to extra cover.
18:43 IST:
20.5: Khatir Stanikzai to Aaron George, Low full toss, outside off, driven to deep cover for a single.
18:42 IST:
20.4: Khatir Stanikzai to Aaron George, Right in the blockhole, on off, Aaron George only manages to bunt it back to the bowler.
18:42 IST:
20.4: Khatir Stanikzai to Aaron George, WIDE! A slower one, full but way outside off, Aaron George leaves it alone. Wided. Free Hit stays... 
18:41 IST:
20.4: Khatir Stanikzai to Aaron George, FOUR! FIFTY FOR GEORGE! His first half-century of this World Cup, and what a time to get it in the semi-final. Khatir Stanikzai bowls a very high full toss, around off. Aaron George manages to sway away and guides it behind point for a boundary. It is called a No Ball, and a Free Hit will come up. Aaron gets a warm hug from his skipper, and he raises his bat to acknowledge his teammates cheering him on.
18:40 IST:
20.3: Khatir Stanikzai to Ayush Mhatre, Short of a length and on off, Ayush Mhatre slaps it to sweeper cover for a run.
18:39 IST:
20.2: Khatir Stanikzai to Ayush Mhatre, Hard length and just outside off, Ayush Mhatre reaches out and stabs it out to short cover.
18:39 IST:
20.1: Khatir Stanikzai to Aaron George, Back of a length and around off, Aaron George punches it to sweeper cover for a single.
Score 163/1
BatsmanAyush Mhatre 46(37b 4*4 4*6)
BowlerRohullah Arab 3-0-28-0
18:38 IST:
19.6: Rohullah Arab to Ayush Mhatre, SIX! Out of here! Rohullah Arab dishes it out right in the hitting arc, full and on middle. Ayush gets the front leg out of the way and gets down on a knee. Slog sweeps it way over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.
18:37 IST:
19.5: Rohullah Arab to Ayush Mhatre, Fuller and on off, tapped to cover by Ayush.
18:37 IST:
19.4: Rohullah Arab to Ayush Mhatre, Full and on middle, Ayush plays it back to Arab.
18:36 IST:
19.3: Rohullah Arab to Ayush Mhatre, SIX! Not a clean connection but it does the job for Mhatre! Fractionally short, on middle. Ayush rocks on the back foot for the pull. The ball stays low and it comes off the toe end of the blade. The long on fielder ran to his right and looked to be in business for a moment, but the ball sailed over his head.
18:36 IST:
19.2: Rohullah Arab to Ayush Mhatre, Hangs it up there, on a length, on middle. Ayush checks his drive to the bowler.
18:38 IST:
19.1: Rohullah Arab to Aaron George, Full and on leg, George sweeps but can't beat the short fine leg fielder, who dives to his left and keeps it to a single.
Score 150/1
BatsmanAyush Mhatre 34(32b 4*4 2*6)
BowlerKhatir Stanikzai 5-0-20-0
18:35 IST:
18.6: Khatir Stanikzai to Ayush Mhatre, Pitched up, on off, Ayush pushes it to mid off.
18:40 IST:
Amar Panicker says

IND vs AFG, U19 World Cup live: India showing their levels

This has been a sublime effort from Ayush Mhatre and Aaron George so far. Just when it felt like the pressure might start to build, the pair showed impressive composure, calmly working their way through the tricky phase. They made full use of the fast start, subtly dialing things back to settle in, without ever losing momentum. Now well set, both batters look increasingly confident, striking the ball cleanly and keeping the scoreboard ticking along at a healthy pace, all while avoiding unnecessary risks.

18:34 IST:
18.5: Khatir Stanikzai to Ayush Mhatre, Cross-seam delivery, on a good length. Mhatre plays it on the up back to the bowler. Khatir grabs hold of the ball on the follow-through and fires in a throw at the batting end. Ayush fails to get out of the way quickly and gets hit on the back side. A hand of apology straight away from the bowler.
18:33 IST:
18.4: Khatir Stanikzai to Aaron George, Fuller and on off, George leans on and strokes it between cover and mid off. They cross.
18:33 IST:
18.3: Khatir Stanikzai to Aaron George, On a length, on off, Aaron presents a straight bat and keeps it out.
18:32 IST:
18.2: Khatir Stanikzai to Aaron George, Oh, that did not rise at all! Khatir lands it on a back of a length, outside off. George tries to work this ball off the back foot. It scoots through and goes under his vertical blade.
18:31 IST:
18.1: Khatir Stanikzai to Aaron George, Miscued but safe! Angled in, on a length, on off, George gets his hands out in front to play the lofted drive. It goes aerially off the outer half but wide of the cover fielder in the deep to his left. Mhatre hurries to the bowling end and completes the second run.
Score 147/1
BatsmanAyush Mhatre 34(30b 4*4 2*6)
BowlerRohullah Arab 2-0-15-0
18:30 IST:
17.6: Rohullah Arab to Ayush Mhatre, Full and on middle, Ayush turns it to the catching mid-wicket fielder.
18:30 IST:
17.5: Rohullah Arab to Ayush Mhatre, FOUR! Mhatre goes behind square this time! Arab angles it into the pads, on the fuller side. Ayush rolls his wrists on the sweep and the ball races through backward square leg for four more.
18:30 IST:
17.4: Rohullah Arab to Ayush Mhatre, Slides down leg, Ayush tickles this full ball to the right of the short fine leg fielder for a couple of runs.
18:29 IST:
17.3: Rohullah Arab to Ayush Mhatre, FOUR! Smeared away! Arab offers flight, full and on middle. Mhatre drops on a knee quickly and plays the slog sweep to the right of the mid-wicket fielder for a four. With that, the 50-run stand comes up between these two batters.
18:29 IST:
17.2: Rohullah Arab to Ayush Mhatre, Shorter and on middle. The ball stays low but Mhatre adjusts well to bunt it to mid-wicket.
18:28 IST:
17.1: Rohullah Arab to Ayush Mhatre, Full and around leg, Mhatre pushes it away but the catching mid-wicket fielder gets around and cuts it off with a dive to his left.
Score 137/1
BatsmanAyush Mhatre 24(24b 2*4 2*6)
BowlerKhatir Stanikzai 4-0-17-0
18:27 IST:
16.6: Khatir Stanikzai to Ayush Mhatre, On the fuller side, outside off, Ayush extends his hands and caresses it wide of cover for another single.
18:27 IST:
16.5: Khatir Stanikzai to Aaron George, Leg bye! Too straight by Khatir. At the hips, on a short of a length. Aaron misses out on the glance. A leg bye is taken as the ball drops behind on the leg side.
18:26 IST:
16.4: Khatir Stanikzai to Aaron George, Bowled from a bit wide of the crease, on a good length in line with the off stump. George drives it on the up to mid off.
18:25 IST:
16.3: Khatir Stanikzai to Ayush Mhatre, Skidding through, on off. Not that short for the pull, but Mhatre goes for it. He is rushed and mistimes it to long on for a run.
18:24 IST:
16.2: Khatir Stanikzai to Ayush Mhatre, Fuller and on off, Mhatre goes hard on the drive and loses his shape. Squeezes out an inside edge onto the pads.
18:24 IST:
16.1: Khatir Stanikzai to Aaron George, Short and wide on off, Aaron half-heartedly goes after it. The ball flies down to deep third off a thickish outside edge. Single taken.
18:25 IST:
DRINKS! India Under-19 are cruising along in this chase and are well ahead in the game. They just need to keep doing more of the same, and they will get over the line comfortably. For Afghanistan Under-19, they have to go for wickets as that is the only way for them to get back in this game. They cannot be defensive and have to reduce the boundary options for the Indian batters to create some pressure. Also, the two dropped chances have cost them, and they cannot afford to be any more sloppy in the field.
Score 133/1
BatsmanAyush Mhatre 22(21b 2*4 2*6)
BowlerRohullah Arab 1-0-5-0
18:23 IST:
15.6: Rohullah Arab to Ayush Mhatre, Darted in from around the wicket, full and on middle. Ayush nudges it to mid-wicket.
18:19 IST:
15.5: Rohullah Arab to Aaron George, Fired in at the pads, George works this full ball wide of mid-wicket for a single.
18:19 IST:
15.4: Rohullah Arab to Aaron George, FOUR! Lovely! Tossed up, outside leg. Aaron backs away and opens up the front hip to play the inside out. Goes over cover with ease and the fielder in the deep stands no chance.
18:18 IST:
15.3: Rohullah Arab to Aaron George, Angled in again, attacking the front pad, Aaron brings his bat out in front and keeps it out.
18:18 IST:
15.2: Rohullah Arab to Aaron George, Drifting in, fuller and on middle. Aaron defends it watchfully.
18:18 IST:
15.1: Rohullah Arab to Aaron George, Flighted delivery, on a length, on middle. Aaron George blocks it out with a straight bat.
Score 128/1
BatsmanAyush Mhatre 22(20b 2*4 2*6)
BowlerKhatir Stanikzai 3-0-14-0
18:16 IST:
14.6: Khatir Stanikzai to Ayush Mhatre, FOUR! Up and over! Khatir goes short, on off. Ayush stays on the back foot and pivots. He pulls it well over the mid-wicket fielder and picks up a boundary.
18:16 IST:
14.5: Khatir Stanikzai to Ayush Mhatre, Fuller and on off, Ayush eases the drive to cover.
18:15 IST:
14.4: Khatir Stanikzai to Ayush Mhatre, Khatir bashes the surface, over middle. It comes at waist height and Mhatre swivels for the pull. Hits it hard and on the bounce to the mid-wicket fielder.
18:14 IST:
14.3: Khatir Stanikzai to Aaron George, In the channel, on a short of a length, this is punched through covers for a single.
18:14 IST:
14.2: Khatir Stanikzai to Aaron George, On top of off, George gets on top of the bounce and taps it to cover.
18:13 IST:
14.1: Khatir Stanikzai to Ayush Mhatre, Shouts of 'catch'! Khatir Stanikzai bangs it in short, on off, Mhatre looks to take on the short ball. He was aiming to go over mid-wicket but ended up hitting it a lot straighter. The long on fielder runs in off the ropes and collects it on the bounce. They cross.
Score 122/1
BatsmanAaron George 35(35b 6*4 1*6)
BowlerNooristani 4-0-32-1
18:12 IST:
13.6: Nooristani to Aaron George, FOUR! Fortuitous boundary for George! On a back of a length, fractionally wide, Aaron flays at it but gets an outside edge. It races fine of the deep third fielder for a four.
18:11 IST:
13.5: Nooristani to Aaron George, Aimed at the sticks, on a good length. George plays a punchy drive back to the bowler.
18:11 IST:
13.4: Nooristani to Ayush Mhatre, Pitched up, on off, Mhatre checks his drive and plays it to the left of the cover fielder. He calls for two straight away but the fielder in the deep is quick to get rid of the ball and keeps the batters down to a single.
18:10 IST:
13.3: Nooristani to Ayush Mhatre, Honing in on the off stump, on a length, Mhatre defends it right under his eyes.
18:10 IST:
13.2: Nooristani to Aaron George, At the sticks, on a good length, George pushes it down to long on and crosses over.
18:09 IST:
13.1: Nooristani to Aaron George, SIX! Aaron George makes it look so easy! Nooristani sprays a full ball on the pads. George plays the wristy pick-up shot and has no intention of keeping the shot along the ground. Hits it to the left of the deep square leg fielder and the ball lands on the boundary cushions on the full.
Score 110/1
BatsmanAyush Mhatre 16(14b 1*4 2*6)
BowlerKhatir Stanikzai 2-0-8-0
18:07 IST:
12.6: Khatir Stanikzai to Ayush Mhatre, Another swing and a miss! Bangs this into the pitch, on middle, skids through, Ayush Mhatre goes for the pull but gets hurried and misses.
18:12 IST:
Amar Panicker says

IND-U19 vs AFG-U19 Live: Strong start but some concerns?

The start has been good from the Indian unit. But the strike-rotation has dipped down since Suryavanshi's dismissal. The boundaries can come in when they can but the lack of singles will allow the bowler to get settled which is a massive concern at the moment. 

18:06 IST:
12.5: Khatir Stanikzai to Ayush Mhatre, Full again and on middle, Ayush Mhatre drills it away towards mid off.
18:06 IST:
12.4: Khatir Stanikzai to Aaron George, Touch fuller and on middle, Aaron George knocks it towards mid on for a single.
18:05 IST:
12.3: Khatir Stanikzai to Aaron George, Hard length and on middle, Aaron George rides the bounce and tucks it to short mid-wicket.
18:05 IST:
12.2: Khatir Stanikzai to Aaron George, Lands this on a good length and around off, once again keeps low. Aaron George looks to push it away but it goes off the toe-end of the bat on the bounce to the keeper.
18:03 IST:
12.1: Khatir Stanikzai to Aaron George, Swing and a miss! Fuller and on off, nips away a bit, Aaron George tries to go over the bowler's head but fails to connect.
Score 109/1
BatsmanAyush Mhatre 16(12b 1*4 2*6)
BowlerNooristani 3-0-20-1
18:02 IST:
11.6: Nooristani to Ayush Mhatre, FOUR! The Indian skipper is dealing in boundaries here! Fuller and on middle, angling in, Ayush Mhatre hoicks it off the inner half of the bat but gets it well wide of mid-wicket for four runs.
18:02 IST:
11.5: Nooristani to Ayush Mhatre, Short of a length and around off, Ayush Mhatre slaps it to short extra cover.
18:01 IST:
11.4: Nooristani to Ayush Mhatre, Beaten! Good length and just around off, nips back in. Ayush Mhatre does not move his feet at all and just looks to play it with his hands but gets beaten on the inside edge.
18:00 IST:
11.3: Nooristani to Ayush Mhatre, SIX! Stand and deliver! Pitched up and on middle, in the slot as well. Ayush Mhatre is not afraid to take it on. He makes a solid base for himself, hits it through the line to dispatch it over the long on fence for another biggie. 100 UP FOR INDIA!
18:05 IST:
Amar Panicker says

U19 World Cup Live: Can Ayush Mhatre keep up?

This has been a strong start for the Indian captain, Ayush Mhatre. But the question is whether he can keep up. At the end of the day, a good delivery is all it takes and with Inida needing around 200 runs more, perhaps he could look to take things easy for now. India cannot afford another wicket here. 

18:00 IST:
11.2: Nooristani to Aaron George, Full again and on leg, Aaron George clips it towards short mid-wicket, where the fielder dives to his right to make a half-stop. A single taken.
17:59 IST:
11.1: Nooristani to Aaron George, Fuller and on middle, Aaron George knocks it to the left of the bowler.
Score 98/1
BatsmanAyush Mhatre 6(8b 0*4 1*6)
BowlerKhatir Stanikzai 1-0-7-0
17:58 IST:
10.6: Khatir Stanikzai to Ayush Mhatre, SIX! Gets off the mark in some fashion! Khatir Stanikzai bangs this into the pitch, on middle and leg. Ayush Mhatre picks the bones out of that one and whacks it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.
17:58 IST:
10.5: Khatir Stanikzai to Ayush Mhatre, Keeps low again! A bit fuller and around off, Ayush Mhatre stands on leg stump and just throws his bat at it but misses due to the lack of bounce.
17:57 IST:
10.4: Khatir Stanikzai to Ayush Mhatre, Length again and on off, Ayush Mhatre opens the bat face and guides it to point again.
18:01 IST:
Halt! Mahboob Khan has copped a glancing blow on the chin. A small cut on the chin for the Afghan captain. The physio is out to have a look.
17:55 IST:
10.3: Khatir Stanikzai to Ayush Mhatre, Hits the length hard and just outside off, Ayush Mhatre backs away and throws his hands at it but this keeps low and goes under his bat. It rolls towards the keeper, where Mahboob Khan tries to gather it but it just bounces in front off him and parries off his gloves onto his chin. That will hurt a bit.
17:54 IST:
10.2: Khatir Stanikzai to Ayush Mhatre, On a length and on off, Ayush Mhatre steers it away towards point. 
17:53 IST:
10.1: Khatir Stanikzai to Aaron George, Fuller and around off, Aaron George pushes it through covers for a single. 
17:56 IST:
Time for Powerplay 2! Extra protection for Afghanistan Under-19. They are now allowed 4 fielders outside the 30-yard circle till the end of the 40th over.
Score 91/1
BatsmanAyush Mhatre 0(3b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerNooristani 2-0-9-1
17:52 IST:
9.6: Nooristani to Ayush Mhatre, On a good length, on middle. Mhatre defends it out.
17:51 IST:
9.5: Nooristani to Ayush Mhatre, Length again, on off, Ayush Mhatre pushes it to short cover.
17:50 IST:
9.4: Nooristani to Ayush Mhatre, Oh..that is really close! Good length and on off, holds its line. Ayush Mhatre leaves it alone as the ball just goes inches past the off pole. Ayush gets away with it here.
17:50 IST:
9.4: Nooristani to Ayush Mhatre, WIDE! Fuller but down the leg side, Ayush Mhatre fails to glance it away. An appeal from the keeper, but nothing doing. Wided.
18:00 IST:
Saurabh Kumar

Vaibhav's wicket will give AFG some hope

Just when it felt like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was dragging his team single-handedly towards an unbelievable chase, the moment arrived that silenced the stadium. Nooristani Omarzai finally got his reward, and it was the biggest wicket of the night. Banging in another short delivery just outside off stump, Omarzai tempted Vaibhav into going for the pull once more. The batter obliged, but this time it didn’t come off the middle. A thick top edge ballooned high into the night sky, and Osman Sadat settled under it at mid-wicket to take a straightforward catch. The release of emotion was instant — Osman slammed the ball into the turf in frustration, a clear sign of the damage Vaibhav had already inflicted. That reaction summed up the impact Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made in a matter of minutes. The youngster stood still for a second, visibly gutted, covering his face before beginning the long walk back. He knew how close he had taken his side. Still, it was a knock to remember. Vaibhav’s 68 off just 33 balls, laced with nine fours and four towering sixes, completely shifted the momentum of what looked like a near-impossible, record chase to reach the final. He took the attack to the bowlers, absorbed the pressure, and gave his team genuine belief.

17:49 IST:
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi berates himself on his way back. In walks the skipper, Ayush Mhatre.
17:49 IST:
9.3: Nooristani to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, OUT! TAKEN! Nooristani gets the massive wicket here, and Afghanistan Under-19 can breathe a sigh of relief. This is a well-directed short ball, on middle, takes off a bit. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi once again goes for the pull shot but the ball just gets big on him. It goes off the top edge high in the air, and Osman Sadat at mid-wicket runs forward and manages to hold on to a crucial catch. Sooryavanshi has got out in a similar fashion in the last game, and against Bangladesh and USA as well, so he will need to work on that. However, he has done his job here, with a quick-fire 68 off 33.
17:48 IST:
9.2: Nooristani to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Hard length and on off, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi punches it to mid off.
17:47 IST:
9.1: Nooristani to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, SIX! Wow...what a shot! Fuller delivery, on middle, angling in. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi picks it up and, with just the flick of the wrists, whips it over the wide long on fence for a biggie.
Score 84/0
BatsmanAaron George 21(24b 5*4 0*6)
BowlerAbdul Aziz 5-0-41-0
17:45 IST:
8.6: Abdul Aziz to Aaron George, On a length and on off, Aaron George pats it to short cover.
17:46 IST:
8.5: Abdul Aziz to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Another short ball, on middle, does not bounce much. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gets low to heave but gets it from the inner half of the bat to deep square leg for one.
17:46 IST:
8.4: Abdul Aziz to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, FOUR! Put away! Short of a length and on middle, not short enough to trouble the batter. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gets on top of it and pulls it away wide of deep mid-wicket for four more runs.
17:44 IST:
8.3: Abdul Aziz to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Back of a length and on off, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stays back and blocks it out in front of short cover.
17:43 IST:
8.2: Abdul Aziz to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, FOUR! Not from the middle of the bat, but he will take that! Pitched up and around off, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi this time gets under it and lofts it. He does not time it that well, but gets enough to send it over cover for a boundary.
17:42 IST:
8.1: Abdul Aziz to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Play and a miss! Fuller delivery, on off, holds its line, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stays back and looks to hit it through the line but misses.
Score 75/0
BatsmanVaibhav Sooryavanshi 53(25b 7*4 3*6)
BowlerNooristani 1-0-2-0
17:41 IST:
7.6: Nooristani to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Fuller and on middle, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi wrists it off the pads in front of square leg for a single.
17:41 IST:
7.5: Nooristani to Aaron George, Pitched up and on leg, Aaron George knocks it to the left of mid on for a single.
17:40 IST:
7.4: Nooristani to Aaron George, DROPPED! Afghanistan Under-19 are digging a hole for themselves here. Hard length and around middle, Aaron George swats it but gets no elevation and hits it flat towards mid on. Wahid Zadran gets low and tries to grab it but fails to hold on to it. The reaction from the Afghan players says it all.
17:41 IST:
Kingshuk Says

IND vs AFG Live: Oh Dear Me!

Oh dear me! Another drop!

And this time it is Aaron George. This is going to hurt Afghanistan heavily. 

17:39 IST:
7.3: Nooristani to Aaron George, Around off again, on a hard length, Aaron taps it to cover.
17:39 IST:
7.2: Nooristani to Aaron George, On a back of a length, on off, George punches it to cover.
17:38 IST:
7.1: Nooristani to Aaron George, Beaten! Nooristani bangs it into the surface, on off. Aaron has a poke at it but the ball kicks up off the deck to whistle past the outside edge.
17:40 IST:
Kingshuk Says

U19 World Cup live score: Vaibhav hits rapid fifty

This has turned into a disdainful hitting spree.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has reached his half century in just 24 balls. And he signals to the dressing room - do not worry, I am here.

Score 73/0
BatsmanVaibhav Sooryavanshi 52(24b 7*4 3*6)
BowlerAbdul Aziz 4-0-32-0
17:36 IST:
6.6: Abdul Aziz to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, SIX! FIFTY FOR SOORYAVANSHI! It has been a fiery knock from a dangerous left-hander in a pressure chase. He gets to his half-century in just 24 balls. Abdul Aziz goes short again and on middle, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi picks up the length early, swivels and pulls it with disdain over the deep square leg fence for a biggie. He raises his bat and soaks in all the applause.
17:36 IST:
6.5: Abdul Aziz to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Hard length and outside off, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi punches it but straight to point. A rare dot.
17:35 IST:
6.4: Abdul Aziz to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, FOUR! A bit of pizzazz now! This is on off, not that short. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi initially thinks about ducking it, but sways away and at the last moment, just upper cuts it over the keeper's head for the third boundary of the over.
17:34 IST:
6.3: Abdul Aziz to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abdul Aziz bends his back and bangs this hard into the pitch, on off, takes off sharply. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi uses his feet but gets into an awkward position, and slashes at it, only to miss.
17:34 IST:
6.2: Abdul Aziz to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, FOUR! To the other side this time! Back of a length and around off, sits up nicely for the batter. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi transfers his weight on the back foot and pulls it over mid-wicket for another boundary. 
17:33 IST:
6.1: Abdul Aziz to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, FOUR! It's raining boundaries here! Short of a length and outside off. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gets the chance to free his arms and crunches it through point for four runs. He is never going to miss out on those.
17:37 IST:
Kingshuk Says

U19 World Cup Live: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi making AFG pay

Afghanistan are probably going to regret that dropped catch. Vaibhav is in the mood and has started to make it pay. The left-hander is taking the aggressive route and is looking to dominate the bowlers. Expect some big shots now.

Score 55/0
BatsmanAaron George 20(18b 5*4 0*6)
BowlerWahid Zadran 3-0-40-0
17:32 IST:
5.6: Wahid Zadran to Aaron George, FOUR! Another one! Fires this one full and around off. Aaron George opens the face of his bat and squeezes it out, beating the cover fielder to his right for four more runs. Zadran has gone for 34 runs in his last 2 overs.
17:31 IST:
5.5: Wahid Zadran to Aaron George, FOUR! It's power from one end, and timing from the other! Flighted, full and around off, Aaron George leans on to his drive nicely and caresses it between mid off and extra cover for a lovely boundary. Also, the 50 is up for India Under-19!
17:30 IST:
5.4: Wahid Zadran to Aaron George, Slows it up, full and on middle, Aaron George gets forward and blocks it out.
17:30 IST:
5.3: Wahid Zadran to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Short and on off, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi punches it to long off for a single.
17:29 IST:
5.2: Wahid Zadran to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, SIX! He has got hold of that one! Tossed up, full and on middle, in the slot as well. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi clears his front leg away and smokes it way over the long on fence for a biggie.
17:29 IST:
5.1: Wahid Zadran to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, FOUR! A top effort but in vain! Flatter, short and on middle, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi moves back to pull but cannot fully transfer his weight. He mistimes it high in the air towards deep mid-wicket. The fielder from long on, runs to his left and flings himself but just fails to reach the ball. It trickles away to the fence, he gets up and tries to push it back in with another dive but fails to stop the boundary.
Score 36/0
BatsmanAaron George 12(15b 3*4 0*6)
BowlerAbdul Aziz 3-0-14-0
17:28 IST:
4.6: Abdul Aziz to Aaron George, FOUR! That spoils the over a bit! This is pitched up and on off again. Aaron George extends his arms to get under it and lofts it with superb timing over extra cover for a boundary.
17:30 IST:
Sabyasachi says

U19 World Cup: Suryavanshi survives

What a let-off for India! Abdul Azaiz will be absolutely gutted as Vaibhav Suryavanshi gets a lifeline early in his innings.

Uzairullah spills a simple chance at point, and those are the moments that can change games. Afghanistan will be hoping it doesn’t come back to haunt them.

Suryavanshi survived a similar drop against Pakistan but couldn’t capitalise then — this time, India will be praying he makes it count.

17:27 IST:
4.5: Abdul Aziz to Aaron George, Full again and on middle, attacks the stumps, Aaron George gets behind the line of it and blocks it down the pitch.
17:27 IST:
4.4: Abdul Aziz to Aaron George, Touch fuller and on off, Aaron George drives it on the up but fails to beat cover.
17:26 IST:
4.3: Abdul Aziz to Aaron George, On a length and on off, Aaron George pushes it towards cover.
17:25 IST:
4.2: Abdul Aziz to Aaron George, Back of a length and around off, Aaron George punches it to short cover.
17:25 IST:
4.1: Abdul Aziz to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, DROPPED! A massive moment in this game! Short of a length and outside off, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi cuts it hard but fails to keep it down. It flies towards backward point, where Uzairullah Niazai moves to his left and tries to reverse cup it around his chest, but spills it out. He is one of the better fielders in the Afghan side, and he cannot believe it. A single taken. How costly will it prove?
Score 31/0
BatsmanVaibhav Sooryavanshi 22(14b 3*4 1*6)
BowlerWahid Zadran 2-0-21-0
17:23 IST:
3.6: Wahid Zadran to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Flights it up, full and on off, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi drives it to long off for one. 15 runs off the over!
17:26 IST:
Sabyasachi says

U19 World Cup semi-final: Suryavanshi on the charge

Much-needed momentum for India as Vaibhav Suryavanshi goes after Wahidullah Zadran, smashing two crisp boundaries before launching a massive six.

Exactly the kind of over India were desperate for in this steep chase. The intent is clear, the tempo picking up. Afghanistan, though, will be eyeing an early breakthrough to put the brakes on this surge.

17:23 IST:
3.5: Wahid Zadran to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, SIX! BANG! Vaibhav Sooryavanshi goes big now. Tossed up, full and on off, Vaibhav gets under it and launches it down the ground. There is a fielder at long off but he can only watch it sail over his head for a biggie.
17:22 IST:
3.4: Wahid Zadran to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Quicker, shortish and on leg, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi pats it towards short mid-wicket.
17:22 IST:
3.3: Wahid Zadran to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, FOUR MORE! Powered away! Flatter, full and on middle, angling in. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi skips down the track and thumps it over the bowler's head for another boundary.
17:21 IST:
3.2: Wahid Zadran to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, FOUR! Gets it through! Slower through the air, full and on off, turns away. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi initially thinks about going over covers. He adjusts to the line and length of the ball and pushes it on the rise through covers for a boundary.
17:21 IST:
3.1: Wahid Zadran to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Floated delivery, full and on middle, not much spin on it, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi prods forward and blocks it out.
Score 16/0
BatsmanAaron George 8(10b 2*4 0*6)
BowlerAbdul Aziz 2-0-9-0
17:20 IST:
2.6: Abdul Aziz to Aaron George, Goes fuller, outside off, Aaron checks his drive to mid off.
17:22 IST:
Sabyasachi says

U19 World Cup 2026 semifinal: George, Vaibhav make steady start

The pressure is right up there for the opening pair of Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Aaron George as India stare at a daunting chase of 311.

It’s a massive ask, and the onus is firmly on the openers to get India flying early. Suryavanshi, in particular, is not one to be subdued — he thrives on intent and aggression — and if India are to stay in the hunt, he must set the tone from the very first over.

17:19 IST:
2.5: Abdul Aziz to Aaron George, On a back of a length, outside off, Aaron rides the bounce and cuts it to the fielder at cover.
17:18 IST:
2.4: Abdul Aziz to Aaron George, FOUR! Beautiful! Aziz bowls it full, on off, George presents the full face of the blade and just punches it down the strip with a high elbow. The ball goes under the outsretched left hand of the bowler and it races away.
17:18 IST:
2.3: Abdul Aziz to Aaron George, Fractionally fuller, on middle, George whips it along the ground to mid on.
17:17 IST:
2.2: Abdul Aziz to Aaron George, Into the surface again, over off. Aaron gets on his toes and angles it to point.
17:17 IST:
2.1: Abdul Aziz to Aaron George, Targets the top of off, on a back of a length. Aaron stays back and defends.
Score 12/0
BatsmanVaibhav Sooryavanshi 7(8b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerWahid Zadran 1-0-6-0
17:16 IST:
1.6: Wahid Zadran to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, This is bowled from a bit wide on the crease. On a nagging length, it stays low, outside off. Vaibhav drops his bat down on the ball.
17:16 IST:
1.5: Wahid Zadran to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, A bit quicker, on the fuller side, this is firmly driven to mid off by Vaibhav.
17:15 IST:
1.4: Wahid Zadran to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sliding on with the arm, shorter and on middle. Sooryavanshi works it off the back foot behind square leg for a couple of runs.
17:15 IST:
1.3: Wahid Zadran to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, FOUR! Hammered! Zadran errs in line and length. Short and wide on off, there to be put away. Vaibhav reaches out and slaps it past point for a four.
17:14 IST:
1.2: Wahid Zadran to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Shorter and a bit of turn, on off, Vaibhav dabs it down on the off side.
17:14 IST:
1.1: Wahid Zadran to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Darted in, on off, Vaibhav defends it from the crease. 
17:15 IST:
Spin from the other end in the form of Wahid Zadran.
Score 6/0
BatsmanVaibhav Sooryavanshi 1(2b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerAbdul Aziz 1-0-5-0
17:13 IST:
0.6: Abdul Aziz to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, This is pitched up by Aziz, on off. Sooryavanshi goes hard on the drive away from his body. Miscues it off the inner half wide of mid-wicket. Vaibhav is off the mark with this streaky single.
17:12 IST:
0.5: Abdul Aziz to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, From around the wicket to the left-hander, on a back of a length, on middle. Sooryavanshi blocks it out off the back foot.
17:11 IST:
0.4: Abdul Aziz to Aaron George, A massive shout for LBW but turned down! That looked high. Angled in and then it nips away, on a back of a length. George is squared up as he sets up to work it away on the leg side with a closed bat face. The ball raps Aaron high on the back thigh before rolling behind for a leg bye.
17:10 IST:
0.3: Abdul Aziz to Aaron George, Hits the hard length, over off. Aaron stays on the back foot and gets his hands high to stab it down the strip.
17:10 IST:
0.2: Abdul Aziz to Aaron George, A better line and length. On a good length, on middle. Aaron George covers the line and solidly defends.
17:10 IST:
0.1: Abdul Aziz to Aaron George, FOUR! Aaron George and India are on their way. India's innings starts in the same fashion as the Afghan innings did. Angled into the pads, on a length. Aaron flicks it uppishly between mid-wicket and mid on for a boundary.
17:19 IST:
Welcome back. Afghanistan's head coach has gathered his boys in a huddle for some final instructions before they go out. The two Indian openers wait on the sidelines for the two umpires. Mahboob Khan leads his troops out onto the park. Aaron George and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will open the innings for India. Abdul Aziz will start with the new ball. George will face the first ball from the right-arm quick. A slip in place. Here we go!
17:04 IST:
... THE RUN CHASE ...
16:58 IST:
Chase coming up - While India Under-19 have the resources to chase down this daunting total, it will require a collective effort. In their favour is the pitch, which over the 50 overs did not show any signs of changing its behaviour. Afghanistan Under-19, meanwhile, will back themselves to defend the total and carry the advantage of knowing what worked for the Indian bowlers on this surface. They will hope to carry the momentum into their bowling effort. Stay tuned for India's reply.
16:59 IST:
A quick word with one of the two centurions - Faisal Khan (110 runs off 93 balls) thanks the Almighty. He says that he just wanted to rotate the strike and the ball was coming on nicely. Mentions that before the game, the coach gave them the plan and it was for the openers to play the first 10 overs. Tells that they wanted to take on the bowlers after 40 overs, which they did well. Says that it is a good total on the board, and their bowlers are confident of defending this one.
16:57 IST:
From platform to power - Faisal's 148-run stand with Uzairullah Niazai was particularly intriguing. While Niazai struggled to find fluency and chewed up a fair number of dot balls, Faisal continued to tick along smoothly at the other end. He remained unfazed by what was happening around him and went on to bring up his second successive century. As the innings progressed, Niazai began to find his rhythm and took it upon himself to ensure the momentum did not dip after Faisal fell and notched up his hundred along the way.
16:51 IST:
Positive beginning - After opting to bat first, Afghanistan made a steady start through their openers. There was little assistance on offer from the surface or through the air. The Indian bowlers struggled to find consistency, often drifting too full or too short. Khalid Ahmadzai, in particular, was able to capitalise on that inconsistency. They scored 52, 51, and 54 runs across the three 10-over phases in Powerplay 2, and Faisal Khan was the chief architect of their platform.
16:42 IST:
Excellent finish for Afghanistan Under-19 - 111 runs came in the final 10 overs, which has powered them to an imposing total of 310. As the Indians walk off the park, they look tired and will be disappointed with how the innings finished.
Score 310/4
BatsmanAbdul Aziz 7(3b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerHenil Patel 10-0-56-0
16:39 IST:
49.6: Henil Patel to Abdul Aziz, A couple of runs to end the innings! Henil Patel hits the length hard and around middle, Abdul Aziz flat-bats it in the air over the bowler's head but it lands safely. Two taken. The fielder also hits the stumps at the bowler's end, and Niazai thinks about the third, but decides against it. Afghanistan Under-19 finish on 310/4!
16:42 IST:
Kingshuk says

U19 World Cup: India have to chase down record runs

Afghanistan have scored 310 runs on the back of Faisal Shinozada and Uzairullah Niazai. Two very different knocks. Faisal was busy from the get go, while Uzairullah took his time and only blasted the ball in the final 10 overs of the match.

India now need to chase down record runs in the semi-final of the U19 World Cup.

16:38 IST:
49.5: Henil Patel to Uzairullah Niazai, Gets the yorker in, does Henil, on middle. Uzairullah Niazai digs it out to short third and crosses over.
16:39 IST:
Halt! Uzairullah Niazai looks completely spent and wants to replenish himself with some fluids. The umpires allow his request.
16:37 IST:
49.4: Henil Patel to Uzairullah Niazai, HUNDRED FOR NIAZAI! Hard to believe he has dragged himself to three figures after all the early struggle, but full credit to him, he found another gear once he reached his fifty. Henil Patel bangs this short again and on leg, Uzairullah Niazai heaves it straight towards deep mid-wicket, but still turns around for the double. The throw from the deep comes at the keeper's end, where Abhigyan Kundu collects it. However, he is more focused on the batter and misses the stumps with his first swing, and then breaks the stumps on the second attempt. But, by that time, Niazai has made his ground with the dive. He knows that and the replay confirms the same as well. Uzairullah Niazai spreads his arms wide to celebrate his hundred and soaks it all in. It has been a valuable knock. 
16:39 IST:
Kingshuk Says

U19 World Cup semi-final: Huge mistake

That is a huge mistake from Abhigyan Kundu. And hilariously. And it helps Uzairullah get to his hundred.

A poor moment from Abhigyan and that kind of culminates the day that has been for India in the field. Abhigyan gets the ball in his hands. It is s good throw. Abhigyan swings his hands, tries to get rid of the stumps, but he is too far off.

Abhigyan takes off the bail in his second try, but by that time Uzairullah is in and has completed his hundred.

16:35 IST:
49.3: Henil Patel to Uzairullah Niazai, Short of a length and on middle and leg. Uzairullah Niazai makes room and pulls it away wide of deep mid-wicket, where Vaibhav Sooryavanshi runs to his right and makes a good diving stop. He saves two runs for his team. Also, Niazai moves to 98 now.
16:34 IST:
49.2: Henil Patel to Uzairullah Niazai, It's all happening here! Fuller and on middle, Uzairullah Niazai knocks it towards long on and turns around for the second but is sent back. The throw comes at the bowler's end, where Henil Patel fails to collect it cleanly and now Niazai calls his partner for the second again as the ball rolls beside the strip on the leg side. Patel runs towards the ball but throws it well wide of the keeper, and misses the run out chance.
16:33 IST:
49.1: Henil Patel to Uzairullah Niazai, A slower one, full and on leg, Uzairullah Niazai backs away and swings for the hills, but gets an inside edge towards square leg. Niazai turns around for the second run, as the keeper, Abhigyan Kundu, chases the ball. He collects, turns around and throws it at the batter's end, where the ball hits the stump mic and not the stumps. The batter was gone for all money. 300 UP FOR THE AFGHANS!
16:32 IST:
Henil Patel (9-0-47-0) to close out the innings.
Score 299/4
BatsmanAbdul Aziz 5(2b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerKanishk Chouhan 9-0-55-2
16:31 IST:
48.6: Kanishk Chouhan to Abdul Aziz, FOUR! Gets it away! Kanishk Chouhan tries the yorker, outside off, but just misses the length. Abdul Aziz opens the face of his bat and squeezes it through cover-point for a boundary.
16:30 IST:
48.5: Kanishk Chouhan to Uzairullah Niazai, A bit short and around off, Uzairullah Niazai pushes it towards extra cover for one more.
16:30 IST:
48.4: Kanishk Chouhan to Abdul Aziz, Quicker, full and on off, Abdul Aziz forces it to long off for one.
16:33 IST:
The new batter is...Abdul Aziz.
16:29 IST:
48.3: Kanishk Chouhan to Aziz Mia Khil, OUT! TAKEN! This is turning out to be a great bowling change from Ayush Mhatre. Flighted up from Kanishk Chouhan, full and around off. Aziz Mia Khil goes down and tries to slog it but has to reach out for it. He does not get the power and mistimes it straight towards long on, where Khilan A. Patel comes forward and takes a good catch. Afghanistan Under-19 are 293/4!
16:29 IST:
48.2: Kanishk Chouhan to Uzairullah Niazai, Floated, full and on off, Uzairullah Niazai works it off the inner half of the bat towards mid-wicket for a run.
16:28 IST:
48.1: Kanishk Chouhan to Aziz Mia Khil, Fires this full and outside off, Aziz Mia Khil cannot quite get under it and drills it to long off for a single. There is a fumble by Vihaan Malhotra but no harm done.
16:28 IST:
Spin in the 49th over. Kanishk Chouhan to bowl. 8-0-47-1 so far for Chouhan.
Score 291/3
BatsmanAziz Mia Khil 11(7b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerR.S. Ambrish 9-0-65-0
16:26 IST:
47.6: R.S. Ambrish to Aziz Mia Khil, Overpitched and on off, Aziz Mia Khil drills it to extra cover for one.
16:25 IST:
47.5: R.S. Ambrish to Uzairullah Niazai, A good yorker this time, on middle, Uzairullah Niazai jams it out to long on for one. He moves into the 90s now.
16:25 IST:
47.4: R.S. Ambrish to Uzairullah Niazai, FOUR! Superb shot! Goes fuller and just on middle. Uzairullah Niazai backs away, gets right under it and lofts it over mid off for an easy boundary.
16:24 IST:
47.4: R.S. Ambrish to Uzairullah Niazai, WIDE! Bangs in a bouncer, on middle, Uzairullah Niazai tries to pull it away but misses. It is too high for the umpire, who signals a wide.
16:23 IST:
47.3: R.S. Ambrish to Aziz Mia Khil, Slower one, full and on off, Aziz Mia Khil knocks it to mid off and gives the strike back to the set batter.
16:22 IST:
47.2: R.S. Ambrish to Uzairullah Niazai, Back of a length and on leg, Uzairullah Niazai swats it down to long on for a run.
16:22 IST:
47.1: R.S. Ambrish to Uzairullah Niazai, SIX! Gets it over! R.S. Ambrish misses his length and serves this full, angling into the pads. Uzairullah Niazai picks it up and whips it away towards deep square leg. Vedant Trivedi comes running in off the ropes, but the ball sails over his head for a six. Had he stayed back on the ropes, it could have been a catching opportunity.
Score 276/3
BatsmanUzairullah Niazai 78(75b 11*4 1*6)
BowlerHenil Patel 9-0-45-0
16:20 IST:
46.6: Henil Patel to Uzairullah Niazai, Right in the blockhole, on leg, Uzairullah Niazai uses his feet and jams it out towards mid on for one more.
16:23 IST:
Sabyasachi says

U19 World Cup 2026 semifinal: Can Uzairullah reach his hundred?

Uzairullah Niazai is going all guns blazing, and here lies a real chance for him to march to his hundred. This has been a brilliant counterattack, full of intent and authority.

While Faisal Shinozada was at the crease, Niazai was content playing second fiddle, but with his partner gone, he has taken charge as the senior man, dictating terms.

India, meanwhile, are slipping deeper into the hole, struggling to stem the flow as Afghanistan tighten their grip on the contest.

16:19 IST:
46.5: Henil Patel to Aziz Mia Khil, Pitched up and on the pads, Aziz Mia Khil works it through mid-wicket for one.
16:19 IST:
46.4: Henil Patel to Aziz Mia Khil, Much fuller and on middle, Aziz Mia Khil clips it away wide of long on and comes back for the second run.
16:19 IST:
46.3: Henil Patel to Aziz Mia Khil, FOUR! A bit of misjudgment in the deep! This is another slower one. full and on leg. Aziz Mia Khil flicks it away aerially towards deep square leg. R.S. Ambrish initially runs forward and goes for the catch. However, he realises that he will not reach there and tries to save the boundary, but fails to get his body behind the ball and it goes away to the fence. The bowler is not happy with that effort.
16:19 IST:
46.2: Henil Patel to Uzairullah Niazai, Back of a length and on middle, takes pace off, Uzairullah Niazai adjusts well and pulls it away towards deep square leg. He calls for two, but has to settle for one here.
16:16 IST:
46.1: Henil Patel to Aziz Mia Khil, Slower one, on a length and around off, Aziz Mia Khil guides it away towards backward point for a single.
Score 266/3
BatsmanAziz Mia Khil 1(1b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerD. Deepesh 10-0-64-2
16:14 IST:
45.6: D. Deepesh to Aziz Mia Khil, Short of a length and outside off, Aziz Mia Khil cuts it away to deep point for a single.
16:16 IST:
Sabyasachi says

India vs Afghanistan Live: HUGE RELIEF FOR INDIA!

Oh, what a relief for India. Deepesh Devendran finally breaks through, removing Faisal Shinozada, who has been stupendous once again in this competition.

It’s a crucial wicket, but the danger is far from over. Uzairullah Niazai, after a sedate start, has now cut loose and is in full flow.

India desperately need his wicket too if they are to wrest back some momentum. A reminder for the bowlers—Afghanistan still have seven wickets in hand, and plenty of firepower left.

16:16 IST:
End of a fine knock from Faisal Khan. He receives a standing ovation from his teammates and the Afghan support staff. Aziz Mia Khil is the new batter.
16:13 IST:
45.5: D. Deepesh to Faisal Khan, OUT! BOWLED 'EM! D. Deepesh gets the big fish and gives India Under-19 the breakthrough they desperately needed here. This is on a good length and around middle, skids through a bit. Faisal Khan makes room and has a wild swing across the line, probably for the first time in the game. He loses his shape and misses the ball as it sends the middle stump cartwheeling. Khan walks back for a fabulous 110 off 93, to a big applause from everyone present at the ground. The massive 148-run stand has been broken now.
16:12 IST:
45.4: D. Deepesh to Faisal Khan, Bangs this into the pitch, on middle, Faisal Khan backs away and pulls it away wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
16:11 IST:
45.3: D. Deepesh to Faisal Khan, FOUR! The boundaries just keep flowing! A slower delivery, hard length and on middle, angles in. Faisal Khan reads it early, gets low and swipes it between short fine leg and backward square leg for four more runs.
16:10 IST:
45.2: D. Deepesh to Uzairullah Niazai, Back of a length and around off, Uzairullah Niazai opens the face of his bat and slices it over extra cover for a single.
16:10 IST:
45.2: D. Deepesh to Uzairullah Niazai, WIDE! Goes fuller and well outside off, Uzairullah Niazai throws his bat to reach out for it but misses. Called a wide.
16:09 IST:
45.1: D. Deepesh to Uzairullah Niazai, FOUR! Put away! Fuller delivery, on middle and off, angling in. Uzairullah Niazai goes down and across to get inside the line and helps it past the short fine leg fielder for a boundary.
Score 253/2
BatsmanUzairullah Niazai 71(71b 10*4 1*6)
BowlerHenil Patel 8-0-35-0
16:08 IST:
44.6: Henil Patel to Uzairullah Niazai, Henil switches to around the wicket and slips in a yorker, on off. Niazai knocks it to long off for a run.
16:10 IST:
Sabyasachi says

U19 World Cup Live: 54 runs in last 5 overs

At the 40-over mark, Afghanistan looked set for a total in the 260–270 range, but Uzairullah Niazai and Faisal Shinozada have produced a spell of stupendous cricket in the final phase.

The duo have piled on 53 runs in the last five overs, completely shifting the momentum. Afghanistan now look relentless, finding boundaries at will and exploiting every error.

The Indian bowlers, meanwhile, are running out of answers, struggling to contain the onslaught as the game slips rapidly away from them.

16:07 IST:
44.5: Henil Patel to Uzairullah Niazai, FOUR! Not where Uzairullah Niazai intended but he will take it. Henil drags the length back, outside off, Uzairullah Niazai throws the kitchen sink at it. Gets an outside edge that sails well over the head of the short third fielder for four more.
16:06 IST:
44.4: Henil Patel to Uzairullah Niazai, FOUR! Excellent use of the feet! Henil Patel goes searching for the yorker, on off and middle. Uzairullah Niazai shimmies down the pitch and takes it on the full. He pumps it towards wide long off where the ball lands just in front of the boundary cushions.
16:05 IST:
44.3: Henil Patel to Uzairullah Niazai, Fuller and outside off, Uzairullah Niazai swings for the hills but is beaten on the inside edge.
16:04 IST:
44.2: Henil Patel to Faisal Khan, Around off, on a short of a length, Faisal walks inside the line and scoops it to deep fine leg for a run.
16:04 IST:
44.1: Henil Patel to Uzairullah Niazai, On a short of a good length, outside off, pace off. Uzairullah Niazai punches it without much timing wide of cover for a single.
16:04 IST:
The last over has swung the momentum firmly in the Afghans' favour. However, they will need to continue that and finish well. Here is Henil Patel (7-0-24-0) replacing Khilan A. Patel.
Score 242/2
BatsmanUzairullah Niazai 61(66b 8*4 1*6)
BowlerR.S. Ambrish 8-0-50-0
16:02 IST:
43.6: R.S. Ambrish to Uzairullah Niazai, Overpitched and on off, Uzairullah Niazai drills it to long off for just one. 21 runs off the over!
16:04 IST:
Sabyasachi says

U19 World Cup 2026 semifinal: Uzairullah joins the party

Uzairullah Niazai has taken RS Ambrish to the cleaners, smashing 21 runs off the 44th over and well and truly upping the ante for the Afghans. With momentum firmly on their side, Afghanistan will now dare to dream of even touching 300.

The partnership has swelled to 125 runs, and the shift in momentum is evident—Indian bowlers are feeling the heat, lines are going astray, and the pressure is starting to tell at the death.

16:02 IST:
43.5: R.S. Ambrish to Uzairullah Niazai, FOUR! And again! Nearly a yorker, on off, Uzairullah Niazai hurriedly drops his bat down on the ball. It squirts off an outside edge through short third for another boundary. 20 runs off the over with a ball to go.
16:01 IST:
43.4: R.S. Ambrish to Uzairullah Niazai, FOUR! Off the edge! Full and outside off, Uzairullah Niazai flashes hard but the ball takes the outside edge and races down to deep third for a four.
16:00 IST:
43.3: R.S. Ambrish to Uzairullah Niazai, FOUR! FIFTY FOR NIAZAI! Not the most fluent of knocks, but he will be hoping to turn it around now. Into the surface, slower bumper, over middle. Uzairullah Niazai swivels and gets his hands high before pulling to the right of deep mid-wicket. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi sprints to his right from deep mid-wicket, and Vihaan Malhotra converges from deep square leg. Sooryavanshi slides to push the ball away from the fence, and so does Malhotra. Both end up colliding, and even though Vaibhav pulled the ball back in time, the ball was touching Malhotra's body, and he was in contact with the boundary cushions at that time. It is deemed a boundary.
15:59 IST:
43.2: R.S. Ambrish to Uzairullah Niazai, SIX! Clean strike! Off-cutter, on a length, outside off, Niazai picks the slower one, reaches out and slams it over wide long off for a biggie.
15:58 IST:
43.1: R.S. Ambrish to Uzairullah Niazai, Full and aimed at the sticks, Uzairullah Niazai gets his hands through the ball and drills it to the right of long on with a straight bat for a couple of runs.
Score 221/2
BatsmanFaisal Khan 103(89b 14*4 0*6)
BowlerKhilan A. Patel 10-0-49-0
15:56 IST:
42.6: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, Angled in at the pads, on a length, Faisal sweeps but picks out the short fine leg fielder.
15:59 IST:
Sabyasachi

India vs Afghanistan Live: What a knock from Faisal

There’s simply no stopping Faisal Shinozada in this U19 World Cup. The young batter has brought up a superb hundred off just 86 balls, underlining his class and maturity well beyond his years.

The way he constructs his innings makes him look like a future Afghanistan international, if not in the near future. But the job isn’t done yet.

If Faisal bats through till the end, he could easily add 20–30 crucial runs to the total—runs that might make all the difference compared to an early dismissal at this stage.

15:56 IST:
42.5: Khilan A. Patel to Uzairullah Niazai, Flatter and shorter, on middle, Uzairullah Niazai nudges it in the vacant wide mid on region for another single.
15:55 IST:
42.4: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, Fuller and on off, tapped in front of cover for a quick single.
15:55 IST:
42.3: Khilan A. Patel to Uzairullah Niazai, On a length, on middle, Faisal backs away and hits it down to long off for a run.
15:55 IST:
42.2: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, Keeps it full, on middle, driven to long on for a single.
15:53 IST:
42.1: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, HUNDRED FOR FAISAL! Back-to-back hundreds for Khan. A knock of high quality for Faisal, and this has come in a pressure game against a solid Indian bowling attack. He takes the helmet off and pulls out the Cristiano Ronaldo goal celebration. Full and on middle, Faisal wrists it through mid-wicket for a couple of runs to reach his milestone. His 163 against Ireland was impressive, no doubt, but this century feels a shade more special, given the stage, the pressure, and what is riding on it for his team. A hundred that carries weight, not just runs. Also, that brings up the 100-run partnership between these two batters.
Score 215/2
BatsmanUzairullah Niazai 38(58b 5*4 0*6)
BowlerD. Deepesh 9-0-51-1
15:53 IST:
41.6: D. Deepesh to Uzairullah Niazai, FOUR! Good hit! Deepesh spots Uzairullah stepping out and backing away. He tries to slip in a yorker but fails to get it full enough. Niazai reaches out and crunches it to the right of the deep cover fielder for a four.
15:56 IST:
Sabyasachi says

U19 World Cup Live: India keep struggling for wickets

India continue to struggle for wickets as Faisal Shinozada and Uzairullah Niazai refuse to let any pressure build on the Afghans. The pair have stitched together a solid 100-run partnership off 108 deliveries, combining composure with smart strike rotation.

They’ve absorbed everything India have thrown at them so far, calmly resetting the innings. With eight overs still left, this is the danger period for the bowlers—both batters are well set and will be eyeing the big hits, looking to shift gears and push Afghanistan towards a strong finish.

15:52 IST:
41.5: D. Deepesh to Faisal Khan, Takes pace off, full and on off, Faisal strokes it in the vacant mid off region. Faisal Khan is now one short of his century. 
15:51 IST:
41.4: D. Deepesh to Uzairullah Niazai, A searing yorker, at the toes. Uzairullah flicks it to deep square leg and turns the strike over.
15:51 IST:
41.3: D. Deepesh to Uzairullah Niazai, Off-cutter, on a good length, on off. Uzairullah looks to push it away through covers. Chops it down on the deck off an inside edge.
15:50 IST:
41.2: D. Deepesh to Faisal Khan, Pace off, full and on off, Faisal tries to force it away on the off side. Gets an inside edge onto the pads and the ball drops beside him. He is called through for a quick single by Uzairullah Niazai.
15:49 IST:
41.1: D. Deepesh to Faisal Khan, FOUR! Clever, very clever! Very full, in line with the leg stump. Faisal walks inside the line and gets low. Scoops it fine of the short fine leg fielder for a four. Moves to 97, does Khan.
Score 204/2
BatsmanFaisal Khan 93(82b 13*4 0*6)
BowlerKhilan A. Patel 9-0-43-0
15:48 IST:
40.6: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, Darted down leg, on the fuller side, Faisal sweeps it to deep backward square leg for a run.
15:48 IST:
40.5: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, This is slower, shorter and on off, Khan slaps it to cover.
15:48 IST:
40.4: Khilan A. Patel to Uzairullah Niazai, Shorter and on leg, Uzairullah Niazai tucks it wide of short fine leg for a run.
15:48 IST:
40.3: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, Flat and short, on off, punched wide of cover for a single.
15:48 IST:
40.2: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, Chance! Floated up, on middle and leg, Faisal backs away and opens up the front hip to go inside out. Ayush Mhatre at cover moves to his left and seems to have lost the ball for a brief second. He leaps and sticks out his left hand. The ball clips his fingertips and goes behind. Two runs taken.
15:46 IST:
40.1: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, Sliding on with the arm, short and on off, Faisal punches it to cover.
15:46 IST:
Time for Powerplay 3! India can now have 5 fielders outside the 30-yard circle for the rest of the innings.
Score 199/2
BatsmanUzairullah Niazai 32(54b 4*4 0*6)
BowlerD. Deepesh 8-0-40-1
15:45 IST:
39.6: D. Deepesh to Uzairullah Niazai, Hard length and on middle, nips back in sharply, Uzairullah Niazai fails to work it away and gets hit high on the pads. There is a stifled appeal for LBW, but turned down.
15:46 IST:
Sabyasachi says

U19 World Cup 2026 semifinal: Faisal, Uzairullah partnership builds

The partnership between Uzairullah Niazai and Faisal Shinozada has already yielded 82 runs for the third wicket, pushing the Afghans closer to the 200 mark.

While Faisal has taken the attacking route and kept the scoreboard ticking, the onus is now on Uzairullah to shift gears as well. With 10 overs left, this is the phase where both batters need to cash in.

A bit more intent from Uzairullah—rotating the strike and picking his moments to go big—could help Afghanistan finish strongly and turn a good platform into a commanding total.

15:45 IST:
Uzairullah Niazai needs some medical attention. Seems like he hurt his left shoulder while putting the dive. Harvansh Singh comes on with a message from the dressing room for Ayush Mhatre.
15:43 IST:
39.5: D. Deepesh to Uzairullah Niazai, Fullish and on middle, Uzairullah Niazai pushes it back to the bowler and takes a couple of steps out of his crease. D. Deepesh collects it on the follow-through and throws it at the batter's end but misses, with Niazai putting in a dive to get back in. Looks like he has hurt his left shoulder in the process.
15:42 IST:
39.4: D. Deepesh to Faisal Khan, Pulls his length back, on middle, Faisal Khan clips it towards mid-wicket for one.
15:42 IST:
39.3: D. Deepesh to Faisal Khan, FOUR! Nicely done! Fuller delivery and outside off. Faisal Khan reaches out for it and opens the face of the bat at the last moment. He slices it over backward point and gets it well away from the deep point fielder for a boundary.
15:41 IST:
39.2: D. Deepesh to Uzairullah Niazai, Pitched up and on middle, Uzairullah Niazai drills it to long on for a run.
15:40 IST:
39.1: D. Deepesh to Faisal Khan, On a length and on off, Faisal Khan pats it to short cover and sets off for the run. The fielder fails to pick it up cleanly, or there could have been a chance for a run out.
15:40 IST:
39.1: D. Deepesh to Faisal Khan, WIDE! Short of a length but way outside off, Faisal Khan decides to pull away very late. He is not happy with Ayush Mhatre moving at mid off. In between all this, Abhigyan Kundu has hit the stumps at the batter's end when Faisal was having a chat with the umpire, but India have withdrawn their appeal. Good sportsman spirit!
Score 191/2
BatsmanUzairullah Niazai 31(51b 4*4 0*6)
BowlerHenil Patel 7-0-24-0
15:38 IST:
38.6: Henil Patel to Uzairullah Niazai, It is just not happening for Uzairullah Niazai! Another full delivery, on middle, Niazai fends it away. He needs to take more risks now. Afghans have 8 wickets in hand, and they have to go hard at it.
15:37 IST:
38.5: Henil Patel to Uzairullah Niazai, Fuller delivery, on middle, Uzairullah Niazai tucks it straight to short mid-wicket.
15:36 IST:
38.4: Henil Patel to Uzairullah Niazai, Lands this on a good length and angling in, Uzairullah Niazai knocks it to mid on. Too many dots piling up now.
15:36 IST:
38.3: Henil Patel to Uzairullah Niazai, Touch fuller and on middle, Uzairullah Niazai covers the stumps and blocks it out.
15:35 IST:
38.2: Henil Patel to Uzairullah Niazai, On a length and on middle, Uzairullah Niazai pats it off the bottom half of the bat towards the bowler.
15:34 IST:
38.1: Henil Patel to Faisal Khan, Back of a length and on off, Faisal Khan punches it through covers for a single.
Score 190/2
BatsmanFaisal Khan 82(73b 12*4 0*6)
BowlerKanishk Chouhan 8-0-47-1
15:33 IST:
37.6: Kanishk Chouhan to Faisal Khan, Darts one full and on off, Faisal Khan drives it to long off for one more.
15:33 IST:
37.5: Kanishk Chouhan to Uzairullah Niazai, Flighted, full and on middle, Uzairullah Niazai eases it to long on for one.
15:33 IST:
37.4: Kanishk Chouhan to Uzairullah Niazai, Pushed through quicker, short and outside off, Uzairullah Niazai tries to cut it away but misses.
15:33 IST:
37.3: Kanishk Chouhan to Uzairullah Niazai, FOUR! That should give him a bit of confidence! Tossed up, full and around off, Uzairullah Niazai makes room and drills it towards cover. R.S. Ambrish is a bit late to get low to his right and lets it through for a boundary.
15:32 IST:
37.2: Kanishk Chouhan to Faisal Khan, Flatter, shortish and on leg, Faisal Khan flicks it through square leg for a run.
15:31 IST:
37.1: Kanishk Chouhan to Uzairullah Niazai, Floated, full and on middle, Uzairullah Niazai clips it through mid-wicket for a single.
Score 182/2
BatsmanUzairullah Niazai 25(42b 3*4 0*6)
BowlerAyush Mhatre 2-0-14-0
15:31 IST:
36.6: Ayush Mhatre to Uzairullah Niazai, Another short delivery, on leg, Uzairullah Niazai nudges it through mid-wicket for one. He needs to get a move on now.
15:34 IST:
Sabyasachi says

India vs Afghanistan Live: Faisal into his 80s

Faizal Shinozada, now into his 80s, continues to impress in the ongoing tournament. His consistency has been nothing short of remarkable, making him the only batter to cross the 400-run mark, a feat that underlines both his class and endurance.

Shinozada isn’t about flashy stroke-play; he’s built for the long haul. In that sense, his temperament closely mirrors that of Ibrahim Zadran—calm, composed, and unflappable under pressure. 

15:31 IST:
36.5: Ayush Mhatre to Uzairullah Niazai, Play and a miss! Fires this one full and around off, skids through but keeps low too. Uzairullah Niazai moves back to go over covers but loses his shape and misses.
15:31 IST:
36.4: Ayush Mhatre to Uzairullah Niazai, Short again and on leg, Uzairullah Niazai pats it to the left of short mid-wicket.
15:31 IST:
36.3: Ayush Mhatre to Faisal Khan, Goes short and on middle, Faisal Khan punches it to long on for a run.
15:31 IST:
36.2: Ayush Mhatre to Faisal Khan, FOUR! He has played this shot very well in this game! Floated, full and around off. Faisal Khan goes down and executes the reverse sweep past short third to collect another boundary.
15:31 IST:
36.1: Ayush Mhatre to Uzairullah Niazai, Flatter, full and on middle, Uzairullah Niazai drills it to long on for a single.
Score 175/2
BatsmanFaisal Khan 75(69b 11*4 0*6)
BowlerKanishk Chouhan 7-0-39-1
15:28 IST:
35.6: Kanishk Chouhan to Faisal Khan, FOUR! Up and over! Tossed up, full and on off. Faisal Khan uses his feet to go inside out, extends his arms and lifts it cleanly over extra cover for a boundary.
15:27 IST:
35.5: Kanishk Chouhan to Uzairullah Niazai, Dragged back, on middle, Uzairullah Niazai nudges it through mid-wicket for one.
15:27 IST:
35.4: Kanishk Chouhan to Uzairullah Niazai, Quicker, shortish and on off, Uzairullah Niazai bunts it back to the bowler. Pressure building on him.
15:27 IST:
35.3: Kanishk Chouhan to Uzairullah Niazai, Floated, full and on middle, Uzairullah Niazai tucks it to short mid-wicket. Three dots in a row!
15:27 IST:
35.2: Kanishk Chouhan to Uzairullah Niazai, Short again and on middle, Uzairullah Niazai pats it back to the bowler.
15:27 IST:
35.1: Kanishk Chouhan to Uzairullah Niazai, Flatter, short and outside off, Uzairullah Niazai stabs it out to backward point.
15:28 IST:
DRINKS BREAK! An intriguing final 15 overs of the Afghanistan innings await us, and that phase could well prove decisive in the outcome of the game. Afghanistan will want to put their foot down soon, but for that, Uzairullah Niazai needs to find his mojo with the bat and take some pressure off Faisal Khan. India have not bowled badly through this middle phase, but a stern test awaits them in the next phase of the game. Can they deny Afghanistan the surge they are searching for? Kanishk Chouhan (6-34-0-1) to bowl after the break.
Score 170/2
BatsmanUzairullah Niazai 22(33b 3*4 0*6)
BowlerAyush Mhatre 1-0-7-0
15:22 IST:
34.6: Ayush Mhatre to Uzairullah Niazai, Slows it up, full and on off, Uzairullah Niazai steps across and works it to long on for one more.
15:22 IST:
34.5: Ayush Mhatre to Faisal Khan, Loopy delivery, full and on off, Faisal Khan eases it to long off for one.
15:22 IST:
34.4: Ayush Mhatre to Faisal Khan, Flighted, full and on off, Faisal Khan drills it but cannot beat short extra cover again.
15:21 IST:
34.3: Ayush Mhatre to Faisal Khan, Quicker, full and on off, Faisal Khan steps across and drives it to short extra cover.
15:21 IST:
34.2: Ayush Mhatre to Uzairullah Niazai, Floated, full and on off, Uzairullah Niazai pushes it through covers for a single.
15:20 IST:
34.1: Ayush Mhatre to Uzairullah Niazai, FOUR! Gets it away! Flatter, short and around off. Uzairullah Niazai stays back to punch it away but gets a bottom edge. It races past the short third fielder to the fence for a boundary.
Score 163/2
BatsmanFaisal Khan 70(65b 10*4 0*6)
BowlerD. Deepesh 7-0-32-1
15:19 IST:
33.6: D. Deepesh to Faisal Khan, D. Deepesh bowls another bouncer, on middle, pace on this time. Faisal Khan gets hurried on his pull shot as the ball goes through, ringing past his ear.
15:18 IST:
33.5: D. Deepesh to Faisal Khan, Hard length and just around off, Faisal Khan cuts it away through backward point. Khilan A. Patel from deep third runs to his right and dives to make a fine stop. He saves two runs for his team.
15:18 IST:
33.4: D. Deepesh to Faisal Khan, Bangs in a deceptive slower bouncer, on middle, Faisal Khan winds up for the upper cut but decides against it.
15:17 IST:
33.3: D. Deepesh to Faisal Khan, Touch fuller and on middle, angling in, Faisal Khan blocks it out.
15:16 IST:
33.2: D. Deepesh to Faisal Khan, Short of a length and just outside off, takes off, Faisal Khan tries to cut but gets beaten due to the extra bounce.
15:16 IST:
33.1: D. Deepesh to Faisal Khan, FOUR! A bit sloppy in the deep! Back of a length and around middle, Faisal Khan comes down the track and heaves it across the line. Gets it from the inside half of the bat through square leg. The fielder from deep fine runs to his left, dives, but only parries it to the fence for a boundary.
15:21 IST:
Kingshuk says

U19 World Cup Live: Uzairullah Niazai

 Meanwhile, do you guys know that Uzairullah has become a social media phenomenon?

That's mostly down to how he looks.

Score 157/2
BatsmanUzairullah Niazai 16(30b 2*4 0*6)
BowlerKhilan A. Patel 8-0-38-0
15:15 IST:
32.6: Khilan A. Patel to Uzairullah Niazai, Dragged down again, on off, Uzairullah Niazai bunts it out off the bottom half of the bat towards point. He needs to get into better rhythm here.
15:15 IST:
32.5: Khilan A. Patel to Uzairullah Niazai, Oh..that's a beauty! Slower through the air, full and on off, grips and turns away sharply. Uzairullah Niazai gets drawn forward to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge.
15:14 IST:
32.4: Khilan A. Patel to Uzairullah Niazai, Short again and on off, Uzairullah Niazai stabs it out to extra cover. He is not happy with himself.
15:14 IST:
32.3: Khilan A. Patel to Uzairullah Niazai, Quicker and shorter, around off, Uzairullah Niazai punches it to backward point.
15:14 IST:
32.2: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, Drops it short and on middle, Faisal Khan swats it to long on for a single.
15:13 IST:
32.1: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, FOUR! Top shot! Floated, full and on off. Faisal Khan goes inside out to access the off side, goes down on one knee and lofts it beautifully over extra cover for a boundary. 
15:15 IST:
A slight hold-up as the physio is out to check on Faisal Khan. Looks like Faisal is experiencing cramps. He is ready to resume.
Score 152/2
BatsmanUzairullah Niazai 16(26b 2*4 0*6)
BowlerD. Deepesh 6-0-26-1
15:11 IST:
31.6: D. Deepesh to Uzairullah Niazai, Hits the length hard and around off, Uzairullah Niazai stabs it out to short cover. End of an eventful over!
15:10 IST:
31.5: D. Deepesh to Uzairullah Niazai, Much fuller and on middle, Uzairullah Niazai drills it back to the bowler.
15:09 IST:
31.4: D. Deepesh to Uzairullah Niazai, Back of a length and on off, Uzairullah Niazai pats it to the off side.
15:15 IST:
Kingshuk Says

U19 World Cup 2026 semifinal: Huge chance missed

That is a very big chance missed!

And it has happened due to a lack of composure from Deepesh, who probably could not even believe the way the chance had fallen into his hands.

After Deepesh misses, Abhigyan Kundu hits the stumps with his gloves on. But by that time Uzairullah had entered the crease.

15:09 IST:
31.3: D. Deepesh to Uzairullah Niazai, RUN OUT CHANCE...MISSED! Fuller and on middle, Uzairullah Niazai knocks it down the pitch and sets off for the run, with the ball going to the right of the bowler. D. Deepesh gets low on his follow-through and collects it in two attempts. He has all three stumps to aim at, but misses with Niazai nowhere near the crease. The keeper hits the stumps on the return throw, but by then, Niazai has made his ground. Faisal is not happy at all with his partner, as there was never a run there.
15:08 IST:
31.2: D. Deepesh to Uzairullah Niazai, FOUR! Fine shot! Short of a length and around off. Uzairullah Niazai lets the ball come to him. He opens the face of his bat and uses the pace to guide it through backward point for a boundary. Also, 150 up for Afghanistan Under-19!
15:08 IST:
31.1: D. Deepesh to Faisal Khan, Chaos! Fuller and on middle, angling in, Faisal Khan drives it towards mid on and sets off for the run but is sent back. The fielder hits the stumps at the batter's end, but Khan has dragged his bat inside. It deflects away and now the batters do get the single as the ball rolls to point. Faisal puts in a dive at the other end, but he did not really need to, as he was safe.
15:07 IST:
Henil Patel took off his cap and was going to continue, but Ayush Mhatre had a change of mind. Mhatre calls D. Deepesh back into the attack. 5-0-21-1 so far for Deepesh.
Score 147/2
BatsmanUzairullah Niazai 12(21b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerKhilan A. Patel 7-0-33-0
15:05 IST:
30.6: Khilan A. Patel to Uzairullah Niazai, Quicker, full and on leg, Uzairullah Niazai goes down and swipes it straight to backward square leg. Just 2 runs off the over. Tidy!
15:04 IST:
30.5: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, Fires in a low full toss, on off, Faisal Khan gets across and paddles it through short fine for a run.
15:04 IST:
30.4: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, Slower through the air, full and around middle, Faisal Khan prods forward and blocks it out.
15:03 IST:
30.3: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, Flatter, full and on off, Faisal Khan stays back to work it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
15:03 IST:
30.2: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, A big shout for LBW, but turned down! Floated, full and on middle and leg, angling in. Faisal Khan goes down for the sweep but misses and gets hit on the pads. Probably going down the leg side.
15:02 IST:
30.1: Khilan A. Patel to Uzairullah Niazai, Flighted, full and on off, Uzairullah Niazai drives it to long off for a single.
Score 145/2
BatsmanUzairullah Niazai 11(19b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerHenil Patel 6-0-23-0
15:01 IST:
29.6: Henil Patel to Uzairullah Niazai, Around off, on a back of a length, Niazai punches it to deep cover and retains the strike with a single.
15:00 IST:
29.5: Henil Patel to Uzairullah Niazai, Pushes the length up, around off. Uzairullah taps it back on the deck with a straight bat.
15:00 IST:
29.4: Henil Patel to Uzairullah Niazai, Bashes the surface, tighter line, on middle. Niazai rises with the bounce and nudges it to mid-wicket.
15:01 IST:
Khilan A. Patel has hurt himself while trying to save the boundary on the last ball. The physio is running in to check on him. It looks like he has hit his head on the ground and maybe sprained his neck as well. A mandatory concussion check will be needed here. India Under-19 takes this opportunity to get into a huddle and discuss some strategies. Patel is good to go again.
14:57 IST:
29.3: Henil Patel to Uzairullah Niazai, FOUR! A valiant effort but in vain! On top of off, on a back of a length. Uzairullah hangs on the back foot to deal with it. The ball takes the outside edge and goes down to deep third. Khilan A. Patel is a bit square at deep third and sprints to his left. He dives and gets a hand to it but the ball deflects away into the fence. He appears to have jarred his neck in the process.
15:00 IST:
Kingshuk says

India vs Afghanistan Live: Concussion test on

There is a concussion test for Khilan Patel, who put in a dive at third man and managed to bang his head on the ground. There is a slight delay in play.

14:56 IST:
29.2: Henil Patel to Uzairullah Niazai, Fuller and on middle, Uzairullah presses forward to stab it down.
14:56 IST:
29.1: Henil Patel to Uzairullah Niazai, Honing in on the off stump, on a good length. Uzairullah watchfully defends.
Score 140/2
BatsmanFaisal Khan 57(52b 8*4 0*6)
BowlerKanishk Chouhan 6-0-34-1
14:54 IST:
28.6: Kanishk Chouhan to Faisal Khan, FOUR! Cheeky! Kanishk Chouhan bowls it full and quick, in line with the off stump. Faisal uses the pace on the ball and plays the reverse lap. The ball flies off the face of the blade and races fine of the short third fielder for a boundary.
14:54 IST:
28.5: Kanishk Chouhan to Uzairullah Niazai, Shorter and on off, Uzairullah hangs back and knocks it to long off for another single.
14:57 IST:
Kingshuk Says

Ind vs Afg Live Score: Good fifty from Faisal

Faisal Shinozada, batting at No.3 for Afghanistan, completed an aggressive fifty. While other batters are hovering around the strike-rates of 60-70 at the start of their innings, he has consistently been above 100.

Faisal Shinozada's fifty has meant that he has not let Afghanistan slump at all. He is one of the top scorers in the tournament and in the running for the player of the tournament award.

This guy has an impeccable technique. Plays with soft hands and has the ability to hit strong square cuts.

14:54 IST:
28.4: Kanishk Chouhan to Faisal Khan, Full and on middle, Faisal clips it through mid-wicket for one more.
14:53 IST:
28.3: Kanishk Chouhan to Uzairullah Niazai, On a length, on off, Uzairullah taps it wide of cover and crosses over.
14:53 IST:
28.2: Kanishk Chouhan to Faisal Khan, On middle, on a nagging length. Faisal nurdles it in front of square on the leg side for one.
14:52 IST:
28.1: Kanishk Chouhan to Faisal Khan, FIFTY FOR FAISAL! The good run of form for Khan in this World Cup continues. He will want to convert this into a three-figure score. Very full, outside off, Faisal squeezes it past the diving short third fielder for a couple of runs.
Score 130/2
BatsmanUzairullah Niazai 4(11b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerR.S. Ambrish 7-0-29-0
14:51 IST:
27.6: R.S. Ambrish to Uzairullah Niazai, Bowled from wide of the crease, in the channel, on a good length. Uzairullah looks to punch it away but the ball cuts back a bit. He chops it down to cover.
14:51 IST:
27.5: R.S. Ambrish to Uzairullah Niazai, At the sticks, on the fuller side, Uzairullah clips it to mid-wicket, where Vaibhav Sooryavanshi slides to his left to stop it.
14:50 IST:
27.4: R.S. Ambrish to Uzairullah Niazai, Lands it on a hard length, on off. Uzairullah hangs back and blocks it out.
14:49 IST:
27.3: R.S. Ambrish to Faisal Khan, Fuller and on off, Khan pushes it wide of cover and crosses over.
14:49 IST:
27.2: R.S. Ambrish to Faisal Khan, On a good length, on the off pole, this is played with a straight bat to mid on.
14:49 IST:
27.1: R.S. Ambrish to Uzairullah Niazai, Leg bye! Angled in at the hips, Niazai hops to tickle it away but misses. A leg bye is taken as the ball goes behind off the thigh pad.
Score 128/2
BatsmanFaisal Khan 48(46b 7*4 0*6)
BowlerKanishk Chouhan 5-0-24-1
14:48 IST:
26.6: Kanishk Chouhan to Faisal Khan, Quicker and shorter, on off, Faisal tucks it to mid-wicket.
14:48 IST:
26.5: Kanishk Chouhan to Faisal Khan, Very full, on off, Faisal drives it straight to cover.
14:48 IST:
26.4: Kanishk Chouhan to Uzairullah Niazai, Another that is zipped through, full and on off, Uzairullah eases it to long off and turns the strike over.
14:48 IST:
26.3: Kanishk Chouhan to Faisal Khan, Full and on off, pushed down to long off for a single.
14:48 IST:
26.2: Kanishk Chouhan to Faisal Khan, FOUR! Innovative and mighty effective! Fired in full, on middle and leg. Faisal sets up for the reverse scoop but adjusts to the line of the ball. He follows the ball with his hands and directs the scoop past short fine leg for a four.
14:46 IST:
26.1: Kanishk Chouhan to Uzairullah Niazai, Short and a bit of turn, on off, Uzairullah rocks back and punches it to deep cover. They cross.
Score 121/2
BatsmanFaisal Khan 43(42b 6*4 0*6)
BowlerR.S. Ambrish 6-0-28-0
14:45 IST:
25.6: R.S. Ambrish to Faisal Khan, An optimistic shout for LBW! On a back of a length, on middle and leg. Faisal swivels for the pull but the ball goes under his blade and hits him high on the thigh pad.
14:44 IST:
25.5: R.S. Ambrish to Faisal Khan, Around off, on a good length, Faisal dabs it in front of backward point. He is keen for a single but Kanishk Chouhan gets to the ball and cuts down the run.
14:44 IST:
25.4: R.S. Ambrish to Faisal Khan, This is on a back of a length, on off and middle. The ball keeps low and Khan does well to adjust to the low bounce and keep it out.
14:43 IST:
25.3: R.S. Ambrish to Faisal Khan, Slanted in again, full and on middle. Faisal's head falls over as he drives it without much timing to mid on.
14:43 IST:
25.2: R.S. Ambrish to Uzairullah Niazai, Bowled from wide of the crease, honing in on the off stump. Uzairullah Niazai looks to cover the line but plays inside the line. Gets an outside edge that goes down to deep third for a single.
14:42 IST:
25.1: R.S. Ambrish to Faisal Khan, Starts with a full ball, on the pads. Faisal wrists it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Score 119/2
BatsmanUzairullah Niazai 1(4b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerKanishk Chouhan 4-0-17-1
14:41 IST:
24.6: Kanishk Chouhan to Uzairullah Niazai, Nice and full, on off, Uzairullah presses forward for the block.
14:40 IST:
24.5: Kanishk Chouhan to Uzairullah Niazai, Quicker through the air, on off, Uzairullah covers the line and defends it down.
14:40 IST:
24.4: Kanishk Chouhan to Uzairullah Niazai, Full and around off, Uzairullah Niazai taps it to cover.
14:40 IST:
24.3: Kanishk Chouhan to Faisal Khan, Pushes it through full, on off, Faisal knocks it to long off for one more.
14:39 IST:
24.2: Kanishk Chouhan to Uzairullah Niazai, Outside off, on a length, Uzairullah Niazai works it wide of cover and gets off the mark with a single.
14:39 IST:
Just as a partnership was brewing, India Under-19 get the breakthrough. Uzairullah Niazai comes out to the middle now.
14:38 IST:
24.1: Kanishk Chouhan to Osman Sadat, OUT! CAUGHT! This was coming. Osman Sadat tries to break free but perishes in the process. Chouhan tosses it up from way behind the crease, full and outside off. Sadat extends his hands and collapses his back knee. He looks to go down the ground and takes on the long off fielder. Fails to get the timing right and holes out to D. Deepesh at long off, who takes a few steps in off the ropes and does the rest. Sadat departs for 39 off 70, and Afghanistan Under-19 are 117/2 now.
14:42 IST:
Kingshuk Says

Huge wicket from India

That is a big breakthrough for India. Kanishk Chouhan strikes and gets an important wicket of Osman Sadat.

And it is a very industrious wicket. Let me explain why.

Kanishk bowls the delivery from much behind the bowling crease. Osman, who thought that the ball was a full one, is drawn into the shot. He lifts the ball up in the air, which goes straight into the hands of long on.

Score 117/1
BatsmanOsman Sadat 39(69b 3*4 0*6)
BowlerKhilan A. Patel 6-0-31-0
14:38 IST:
23.6: Khilan A. Patel to Osman Sadat, Keeps it short and on off, Osman punches it to deep cover and keeps the strike with a single.
14:37 IST:
23.5: Khilan A. Patel to Osman Sadat, Shorter and on off, Sadat cuts well but can't beat Vihaan Malhotra at backward point.
14:36 IST:
23.4: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, Very full, angled in, on middle and leg. Faisal drives it to long on and picks up one.
14:36 IST:
23.3: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, This is slower through the air, on off, on a length. Faisal blocks it off watchfully.
14:35 IST:
23.2: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, Stays around the wicket, full and on off, pushed back to the bowler by Faisal.
14:35 IST:
23.1: Khilan A. Patel to Osman Sadat, Hangs it up there, on a length, on off, Osman plays a punchy drive to long off for a run.
Score 114/1
BatsmanFaisal Khan 40(33b 6*4 0*6)
BowlerKanishk Chouhan 3-0-15-0
14:35 IST:
22.6: Kanishk Chouhan to Faisal Khan, Fuller and on middle, Khan clips it off the pads to the right of long on. It is cut off by the sliding fielder in the deep. Two runs taken.
14:35 IST:
22.5: Kanishk Chouhan to Faisal Khan, Keeps the stumps in play, Faisal nudges it to mid-wicket from the crease.
14:35 IST:
22.4: Kanishk Chouhan to Osman Sadat, On off, on a nagging length, Osman pats it through covers for a single.
14:35 IST:
22.3: Kanishk Chouhan to Osman Sadat, Fires in a full ball, on leg, Osman attempts the sweep but the ball sneaks under his blade. Half a shout for LBW but that was sliding down leg.
14:35 IST:
22.2: Kanishk Chouhan to Osman Sadat, Shorter and quicker, on middle, Osman taps it off the back foot to mid on.
14:35 IST:
22.1: Kanishk Chouhan to Faisal Khan, Floated up, on a length, on off, Faisal pushes it to long off and picks up a single.
Score 110/1
BatsmanOsman Sadat 36(63b 3*4 0*6)
BowlerKhilan A. Patel 5-0-28-0
14:31 IST:
21.6: Khilan A. Patel to Osman Sadat, FOUR! Lovely shot! Fractionally short, outside off, Sadat presses on the back foot and stays leg side of the ball. Punches it to the left of backward point for a four.
14:31 IST:
21.5: Khilan A. Patel to Osman Sadat, Full and darted in at the sticks, Osman nudges it to mid-wicket.
14:31 IST:
21.4: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, Drags the length back, on off, Faisal pushes it wide of cover and crosses over.
14:30 IST:
21.3: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, FOUR! Sweetly struck! Speared in, on a length, on middle. Faisal gets down on a knee and nails the slog sweep to the left of deep square leg for a four. That also brings up the 50-run stand between these two batters.
14:30 IST:
21.2: Khilan A. Patel to Osman Sadat, Around off, on a nagging length, Osman extends his hands and works it wide of cover for one.
14:29 IST:
21.1: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, Sliding on with the arm, full and on off, Faisal pushes it to long off for one more. The 100 comes up for Afghanistan Under-19.
Score 99/1
BatsmanFaisal Khan 31(27b 5*4 0*6)
BowlerKanishk Chouhan 2-0-11-0
14:29 IST:
20.6: Kanishk Chouhan to Faisal Khan, Fires it in, full and on off, Khan drives it to long off for another single.
14:28 IST:
20.5: Kanishk Chouhan to Faisal Khan, Pushes it through, on off, Khan plays it back to the bowler.
14:28 IST:
20.4: Kanishk Chouhan to Osman Sadat, Flighted, full and on middle, Sadat eases it wide of cover for a run.
14:28 IST:
20.3: Kanishk Chouhan to Faisal Khan, Fuller and around off, Faisal works it wide of cover for another single.
14:27 IST:
20.2: Kanishk Chouhan to Osman Sadat, Short and on off, punched through covers. They cross.
14:27 IST:
20.1: Kanishk Chouhan to Faisal Khan, Tosses it up, on off, Faisal pushes it to long off and crosses over.
Score 94/1
BatsmanOsman Sadat 29(58b 2*4 0*6)
BowlerKhilan A. Patel 4-0-17-0
14:26 IST:
19.6: Khilan A. Patel to Osman Sadat, Three dots to end the over! A bit quicker, shortish and around off, Osman Sadat steers it away to backward point.
14:26 IST:
19.5: Khilan A. Patel to Osman Sadat, Fires this one full and on leg, Osman Sadat clips it to short mid-wicket.
14:25 IST:
19.4: Khilan A. Patel to Osman Sadat, Floated, full and on off, Osman Sadat pushes it to short cover.
14:25 IST:
19.3: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, Flatter, full and on middle, Faisal Khan drills it to long on for a single.
14:25 IST:
19.2: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, Flighted, full and around off, Faisal Khan goes inside out and lofts it over extra cover for a brace.
14:24 IST:
19.1: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, Tossed up, full and on middle, Faisal Khan blocks it back to the bowler.
Score 91/1
BatsmanFaisal Khan 25(20b 5*4 0*6)
BowlerKanishk Chouhan 1-0-6-0
14:24 IST:
18.6: Kanishk Chouhan to Faisal Khan, Slower through the air, full and on middle, turns in. Faisal Khan glances it away through backward square leg as the ball races through the quick outfield. Aaron George chases after it and dives to push the ball back inside. Three taken.
14:23 IST:
18.5: Kanishk Chouhan to Osman Sadat, Flighted, full and on off, Osman Sadat drives it towards long off for one.
14:23 IST:
18.4: Kanishk Chouhan to Osman Sadat, Flatter, full and on off, Osman Sadat knocks it wide of the bowler. Chouhan dives to his right to stop the run.
14:23 IST:
18.3: Kanishk Chouhan to Faisal Khan, Floated, full and on off, Faisal Khan eases it to long off or a run.
14:22 IST:
18.2: Kanishk Chouhan to Faisal Khan, Tossed up, full and on mide, Faisal Khan gets forward and defends it.
14:22 IST:
18.1: Kanishk Chouhan to Osman Sadat, Pushed through by Chouhan, on a nagging length, on off, Sadat punches it to long on.
Score 85/1
BatsmanFaisal Khan 21(17b 5*4 0*6)
BowlerKhilan A. Patel 3-0-14-0
14:21 IST:
17.6: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, Flatter and shorter, on off, Faisal punches it to cover.
14:20 IST:
17.5: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, FOUR! Nicely done! Floated up, on off, Faisal gets low and brings his hands out in front. He plays the reverse lap fine of short third for a four.
14:31 IST:
17.4: Khilan A. Patel to Osman Sadat, Full and on off, driven wide of cover for a single.
14:37 IST:
17.3: Khilan A. Patel to Osman Sadat, Slows it up, full and on leg, Osman Sadat tucks it to mid-wicket.
14:37 IST:
17.2: Khilan A. Patel to Osman Sadat, Sliding on with the arm, on a length, on middle. Sadat wrists it to mid-wicket.
14:37 IST:
17.1: Khilan A. Patel to Osman Sadat, Arm ball, full and angling in, Osman Sadat stays back to work it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
14:20 IST:
5 Penalty runs awarded to Afghanistan Under-19.
Score 75/1
BatsmanFaisal Khan 17(15b 4*4 0*6)
BowlerD. Deepesh 5-0-21-1
14:53 IST:
16.6: D. Deepesh to Faisal Khan, Uh..oh! What happened there? D. Deepesh bowls this on a good length and around off, keeps low. Faisal Khan throws his bat at it but misses. It bounces just in front of the keeper, and Abhigyan Kundu fails to stop it. It goes through his legs and hits the helmet behind and deflects away to the fence as well. The umpire awards 5 penalty runs for the Afghans.
14:20 IST:
Just a single so far.
14:41 IST:
16.5: D. Deepesh to Faisal Khan, Much fullr and on off, shaping in, Faisal Khan gets behind the line of the ball and blocks it out.
14:16 IST:
16.4: D. Deepesh to Osman Sadat, Bangs this into the pitch, outside off again, Osman Sadat manages to ride the bounce well this time and stabs it to extra cover for a single.
14:16 IST:
16.3: D. Deepesh to Osman Sadat, Back of a length and outside off, Osman Sadat cannot get on top of the bounce, tries to cut but ends up chopping it on the off side. 
14:15 IST:
16.2: D. Deepesh to Osman Sadat, Short of a length and around off, Osman Sadat stays back and tries to punch it away but gets a bottom edge onto the pitch as the ball goes nowhere.
14:15 IST:
16.1: D. Deepesh to Osman Sadat, Fuller delivery, on middle, angling in, Osman Sadat looks to play at it but gets an inside egde onto his pads.
14:16 IST:
DRINKS BREAK! Afghanistan will be pleased with this start. Osman Sadat did seem to be stuck in a bit of a rut, but the arrival of Faisal Khan has come at just the right time for him. The confidence of having runs under his belt is evident in the way Faisal has begun. India have their work cut out on a surface that is offering little assistance to the bowlers. Through the middle phase, it will be about maintaining discipline, something they have not quite been able to put together for long periods so far, having been a bit inconsistent.
Score 74/1
BatsmanFaisal Khan 17(13b 4*4 0*6)
BowlerKhilan A. Patel 2-0-9-0
14:11 IST:
15.6: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, Gives this one some more air, full and on off, Faisal Khan defends it on the front foot.
14:11 IST:
15.5: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, Slows it up, full and on middle and leg, Faisal Khan strides out and fends it away.
14:10 IST:
15.4: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, FOUR MORE! Faisal Khan has come out with intent here! Flatter delivery, full and around off. Khan just leans onto his drive and creams it through covers. The fielder from deep point runs to his right but has no chance of stopping that.
14:10 IST:
15.3: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, FOUR! Lovely shot! Floated, full and on middle and leg. Faisal Khan goes down on one knee and nails the slog sweep to the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.
14:10 IST:
15.2: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, Excellent fielding! Drops it short and on off, Faisal Khan backs away and cuts it really hard. Kanishk Chouhan at point, dives to his right to make a fantastic stop. He certainly saves a boundary there.
14:09 IST:
15.1: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, Tossed up, full and on middle and leg, Faisal Khan prods forward and turns it to the leg side.
Score 66/1
BatsmanOsman Sadat 25(44b 2*4 0*6)
BowlerD. Deepesh 4-0-20-1
14:08 IST:
14.6: D. Deepesh to Osman Sadat, Back of a length and around off, Osman Sadat rides the bounce and punches it through cover-point and comes back for the second run.
14:08 IST:
14.5: D. Deepesh to Osman Sadat, Swing and a miss! Hard length and on middle, does not bounce that much. Osman Sadat has a big heave across the line but misses as the ball goes under his bat. It wasn't far away from the stumps as well.
14:07 IST:
14.4: D. Deepesh to Osman Sadat, Short of a length and around off, Osman Sadat rides the bounce and dabs it down to backward point.
14:06 IST:
14.3: D. Deepesh to Osman Sadat, A low full toss, on off, Osman Sadat drills it hard but straight to mid off. He misses out there.
14:06 IST:
14.2: D. Deepesh to Faisal Khan, Full and on middle, angling in, Faisal Khan takes a couple of steps forward and clips it through mid-wicket for a run.
14:05 IST:
14.1: D. Deepesh to Osman Sadat, Fuller and around off, Osman Sadat drives it wide of mid off, where Ayush Mhatre dives to his left to make the stop. A single taken.
Score 62/1
BatsmanFaisal Khan 8(6b 2*4 0*6)
BowlerKhilan A. Patel 1-0-1-0
14:05 IST:
13.6: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, Fires one full and on leg, Faisal Khan works it to short mid-wicket. Just one run off the over.
14:04 IST:
13.5: Khilan A. Patel to Faisal Khan, Pushed through quicker, full and on off, Faisal Khan strides out and drives it straight to short cover.
14:04 IST:
13.4: Khilan A. Patel to Osman Sadat, Tossed up, full and on off, Osman Sadat pushes it towards cover for a single.
14:03 IST:
13.3: Khilan A. Patel to Osman Sadat, Flighted, full and around leg, Osman Sadat looks to clip it away but misses and gets hit on the pads. He loses his balance a bit but the ball rolls well wide of the keeper.
14:03 IST:
13.2: Khilan A. Patel to Osman Sadat, Flatter, full and on middle, goes on with the arm, Osman Sadat stays back and tucks it off the inner half of the bat to short mid-wicket.
14:03 IST:
13.1: Khilan A. Patel to Osman Sadat, Floated, short and on middle and off, Osman Sadat moves back and punches it to short cover.
14:03 IST:
First look at spin as the left-arm orthodox spinner Khilan A. Patel comes into the attack.
Score 61/1
BatsmanFaisal Khan 8(4b 2*4 0*6)
BowlerD. Deepesh 3-0-16-1
14:01 IST:
12.6: D. Deepesh to Faisal Khan, Short of a length and well outside off, Faisal Khan watches it through and leaves it alone.
14:01 IST:
12.5: D. Deepesh to Faisal Khan, FOUR! Easy pickings! D. Deepesh goes too full and on the pads again. Faisal Khan knows that there is no protection in the deep and clips it away through square leg for his second boundary. He has started well here.
14:00 IST:
12.4: D. Deepesh to Faisal Khan, Pitched up and on middle, Faisal Khan drills it down the pitch, to the left of mid on. There is a bit of hesitation between the batters, and they decided against the run in the end.
13:59 IST:
12.3: D. Deepesh to Faisal Khan, FOUR! Gets off the mark in style! Fuller delivery, on middle, angling into the pads. Faisal Khan steps across, keeps his balance well and flicks it away with excellent timing through mid-wicket for a boundary.
14:00 IST:
Out goes Khalid Ahmadzai, who was the aggressor of the two openers. Faisal Khan walks in at number 3. He stands second in the leading run-scorers list of this World Cup with 325 runs.
13:58 IST:
12.2: D. Deepesh to Khalid Ahmadzai, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! D. Deepesh draws first blood and breaks the budding 53-run opening stand. He goes fuller and on the fifth stump line, threatens to angle in but just nips away after hitting the deck. Khalid Ahmadzai gets drawn forward for the drive, but only manages to get a thin outside edge behind, where the keeper, Abhigyan Kundu, makes no mistake. Khalid walks back for a decent 31 off 39.
13:57 IST:
12.1: D. Deepesh to Khalid Ahmadzai, Short of a length and on off, Khalid Ahmadzai stays back and dabs it down to point.
Score 53/0
BatsmanOsman Sadat 21(35b 2*4 0*6)
BowlerR.S. Ambrish 5-0-26-0
13:56 IST:
11.6: R.S. Ambrish to Osman Sadat, Goes back to his fuller length, on middle, attacks the stumps, Osman Sadat is solid in his defense.
13:55 IST:
11.5: R.S. Ambrish to Khalid Ahmadzai, Pulls his length back, on middle, angling in, Khalid Ahmadzai flicks it through square leg and hobbles across for one.
13:55 IST:
11.4: R.S. Ambrish to Osman Sadat, Full again and on off, Osman Sadat drills it to the left of short cover for a run.
13:54 IST:
11.3: R.S. Ambrish to Osman Sadat, Pitched up and on off, Osman Sadat drives it straight to mid off.
13:54 IST:
Looks like Osman Sadat is having some issues with his left thigh. The physio is in to check on him. Maybe just a bit of tightening up, but he is good to continue now.
13:51 IST:
11.2: R.S. Ambrish to Osman Sadat, A full toss, on middle, angling in, Osman Sadat clips it through mid-wicket for a couple of runs. Also, 50 up for Afghanistan Under-19!
13:50 IST:
11.1: R.S. Ambrish to Osman Sadat, Fuller in length and on off, Osman Sadat strides out and taps it to short cover.
Score 49/0
BatsmanKhalid Ahmadzai 30(36b 4*4 1*6)
BowlerD. Deepesh 2-0-8-0
13:49 IST:
10.6: D. Deepesh to Khalid Ahmadzai, A bit of a mix-up but no harm done! Short of a length and outside of, Khalid Ahmadzai stays back and cuts it away wide of deep point. He calls for two but his partner is a bit late to react. The fielder in the deep dives to his left to stop. He gets up and throws it to the keeper's end, with Khalid putting in a dive. A better throw was needed there. Also, Khalid lets Sadat know that he was not happy with the running.
13:48 IST:
10.5: D. Deepesh to Osman Sadat, Back of a length and around off, Osman Sadat gets on top and punches it to sweeper cover for one more.
13:48 IST:
10.4: D. Deepesh to Khalid Ahmadzai, Touch fuller and on off, Khalid Ahmadzai watches it onto his bat, opens the face and steers it to deep third for one.
13:47 IST:
10.3: D. Deepesh to Osman Sadat, Hits the length hard, on off, Osman Sadat opens the face of his bat and guides it through backward point for another run.
13:46 IST:
10.2: D. Deepesh to Khalid Ahmadzai, On a length and around off, Khalid Ahmadzai runs it down to deep third for a run.
13:46 IST:
10.1: D. Deepesh to Osman Sadat, Good length and on middle, angling in, Osman Sadat nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.
13:46 IST:
Powerplay 2! India Under-19 can now have four fielders outside the inner ring till the 40th over. It has been a good start from the Afghans, and more importantly, they have not lost a wicket.
Score 42/0
BatsmanKhalid Ahmadzai 26(33b 4*4 1*6)
BowlerHenil Patel 5-0-18-0
13:45 IST:
9.6: Henil Patel to Khalid Ahmadzai, SIX! What a way to end the first Powerplay! Henil serves it on a length, on off. Ahmadzai gives the bowler the charge, and his head stays still at the point of contact. Brings his bottom hand into play and whips it over wide long on for a biggie. At the end of 10 overs, Afghanistan Under-19 are 42/0.
13:44 IST:
9.5: Henil Patel to Khalid Ahmadzai, On the off stump, on a length, Ahmadzai covers the line and pats it back on the strip.
13:43 IST:
9.4: Henil Patel to Osman Sadat, Leg bye! Patel drifts on the pads, on a good length. Sadat fails to get any bat on the tickle. A leg bye is taken as the ball goes off the pads to deep fine leg.
13:42 IST:
9.3: Henil Patel to Osman Sadat, Pitches it up, outside off, Sadat looks to unleash the drive through covers but miscues it off the inner half to mid off.
13:42 IST:
9.2: Henil Patel to Osman Sadat, Fractionally fuller, on off, Osman pushes out in front of his body. The ball stops on him and his drive goes uppishly but on the bounce to the catching cover fielder.
13:41 IST:
9.1: Henil Patel to Osman Sadat, Keeps the stumps in play, on a good length, Osman knocks it to mid on from the crease.
13:41 IST:
Double change? No, Henil Patel to continue from the other end.
Score 35/0
BatsmanKhalid Ahmadzai 20(31b 4*4 0*6)
BowlerD. Deepesh 1-0-1-0
13:40 IST:
8.6: D. Deepesh to Khalid Ahmadzai, Hits the hard length, on off, Ahmadzai hops back and punches it nicely but can't get it past the backward point fielder.
13:39 IST:
8.5: D. Deepesh to Osman Sadat, On the pads, this is helped dwn to deep fine leg for a single.
13:39 IST:
8.4: D. Deepesh to Osman Sadat, A play and a miss! On a length, outside off, Sadat flashes away from his body and is beaten on the outside edge.
13:39 IST:
8.3: D. Deepesh to Osman Sadat, Did that brush something? Sliding down leg, on a back of a length. Sadat misses out on the glance. Half a shout for caught behind but it dies down quickly. Wide not given either. The ball seemed to be away from the body.
13:37 IST:
8.2: D. Deepesh to Osman Sadat, Hurls it on a hard length, over off. Osman gets on top of the bounce and dabs it to backward point.
13:37 IST:
8.1: D. Deepesh to Osman Sadat, Beats the bat! On a back of a length, outside off. Sadat pushes away from his body to get it through the off side. The ball stays low and sneaks under the blade.
13:37 IST:
Will there be a bowling change? Yes, D. Deepesh replaces R.S. Ambrish.
Score 34/0
BatsmanKhalid Ahmadzai 20(30b 4*4 0*6)
BowlerHenil Patel 4-0-12-0
13:36 IST:
7.6: Henil Patel to Khalid Ahmadzai, Nice and full, Khalid pushes it back to the bowler.
13:35 IST:
7.5: Henil Patel to Khalid Ahmadzai, In and around the off stump, on a good length. Ahmadzai stabs it down on the off side.
13:34 IST:
7.4: Henil Patel to Khalid Ahmadzai, This is fuller, on off, Ahmadzai gets on the front foot for the drive. The bat turns in his hand and he plays it to mid off without much timing.
13:33 IST:
7.3: Henil Patel to Khalid Ahmadzai, Tight into the off pole, on a good length. Ahmadzai punches it to mid off.
13:33 IST:
7.2: Henil Patel to Osman Sadat, Full and on off, Sadat mistimes the drive wide of cover. It is cut off by the diving fielder. Just a single.
13:32 IST:
7.1: Henil Patel to Osman Sadat, In line with the off stump, on a good length. Osman covers the line and defends.
Score 33/0
BatsmanKhalid Ahmadzai 20(26b 4*4 0*6)
BowlerR.S. Ambrish 4-0-22-0
13:31 IST:
6.6: R.S. Ambrish to Khalid Ahmadzai, FOUR! Sumptuous! Ambrish goes full on this occasion, on off. Ahmadzai transfers the weight onto the front foot and eases himself into the drive. Threads it between cover and mid off and beats the diving Ayush Mhatre to his left for four more.
13:30 IST:
6.5: R.S. Ambrish to Khalid Ahmadzai, Fuller and outside off, Khalid leans into the drive and the ball pings off his blade but he picks out the cover fielder.
13:30 IST:
6.4: R.S. Ambrish to Khalid Ahmadzai, FOUR! Easily done! Ambrish looks to hit the deck hard but this sits up to be hit, outside off. Just above the waist, Ahmadzai swivels and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
13:29 IST:
6.3: R.S. Ambrish to Khalid Ahmadzai, Delivers it on a good length, on off, Khalid taps it to cover.
13:29 IST:
6.2: R.S. Ambrish to Osman Sadat, Edgy! Ambrish bowls it on a length, on off. Osman pushes out in front of his body with hard hands. The outside edge goes well wide of the fielder at first slip and down to deep third. They cross.
13:28 IST:
6.1: R.S. Ambrish to Osman Sadat, Bowled from wide of the crease, nice and full, aimed at the sticks. Sadat eases the drive to mid on.
Score 24/0
BatsmanKhalid Ahmadzai 12(22b 2*4 0*6)
BowlerHenil Patel 3-0-11-0
13:27 IST:
5.6: Henil Patel to Khalid Ahmadzai, Around off, on a short of a length, Ahmadzai stays back and pushes it to cover.
13:26 IST:
5.5: Henil Patel to Khalid Ahmadzai, On off, punched without much timing to cover by Khalid.
13:26 IST:
5.4: Henil Patel to Khalid Ahmadzai, A loud shout for LBW but turned down! This is on a good length, on middle. Ahmadzai plants his front foot across for the flick. The ball jags back in to beat him on the inside edge and catches Khalid on the front pad. Looked to be sliding down leg.
13:25 IST:
5.3: Henil Patel to Osman Sadat, Tight single! Henil pushes the length up, on middle. Osman checks his drive and plays it in front of mid on. D. Deepesh swoops in, picks the ball up and has a shy at the bowling end. He misses, and Sadat gets home with a dive. It would have been interesting had the throw hit.
13:24 IST:
5.2: Henil Patel to Osman Sadat, A bit more effort behind this ball by Patel. On a short of a length, on off. Osman plays it off the back foot to the left of the bowler.
13:24 IST:
5.1: Henil Patel to Osman Sadat, Henil serves it on a length, on off and middle. A tentative prod by Osman and the ball catches the outside edge before dribbling to point.
Score 23/0
BatsmanKhalid Ahmadzai 12(19b 2*4 0*6)
BowlerR.S. Ambrish 3-0-13-0
13:23 IST:
4.6: R.S. Ambrish to Khalid Ahmadzai, Honing in on the off stump, on a back of a length. Khalid blocks it out from the crease.
13:22 IST:
4.5: R.S. Ambrish to Khalid Ahmadzai, Fuller than the previous ball, outside off, Khalid lets it be.
13:22 IST:
4.4: R.S. Ambrish to Khalid Ahmadzai, FOUR! Hit with absolute authority! Ambrish bangs it in short but fails to get it high enough to trouble the batter. It comes at chest height, around off. Ahmadzai swivels and nails the pull behind square for a four.
13:21 IST:
4.3: R.S. Ambrish to Khalid Ahmadzai, And again! Closer to the off stump, on a good length. Khalid has a feel for the ball before opting to withdraw his bat. Gets beaten on the outside edge.
13:20 IST:
4.2: R.S. Ambrish to Khalid Ahmadzai, A loose shot by Ahmadzai, but he gets away with it! In the corridor of off, on a good length. Khalid pokes away from his body. He is lucky not to have nicked it behind.
13:20 IST:
4.1: R.S. Ambrish to Khalid Ahmadzai, Hits the back of a length, on off, Ahmadzai nudges it off the back foot to mid-wicket.
Score 19/0
BatsmanKhalid Ahmadzai 8(13b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerHenil Patel 2-0-10-0
13:19 IST:
3.6: Henil Patel to Khalid Ahmadzai, Attacking the front pad, on a length, Khalid helps it down to long leg for a single.
13:18 IST:
3.5: Henil Patel to Khalid Ahmadzai, Slanting into the right-hander, on a nagging length. Khalid turns it off the pads to mid-wicket.
13:18 IST:
3.4: Henil Patel to Osman Sadat, Fuller and outside off, Osman strokes it along the ground to the left of mid off and crosses over.
13:17 IST:
3.3: Henil Patel to Osman Sadat, FOUR! Gets it through! Henil hurls it on a good length, outside off. Sadat does not move his feet at all and drives it on the up with his hands. He manages to beat the diving cover fielder to his right. Ayush Mhatre goes after it from mid off but the ball wins the race.
13:16 IST:
3.2: Henil Patel to Osman Sadat, Hits the top of off, Osman gets on his toes and pushes it to mid on.
13:15 IST:
3.1: Henil Patel to Osman Sadat, Jagging back a bit, on a good length, on middle. Sadat keeps it out with a straight bat.
Score 13/0
BatsmanKhalid Ahmadzai 7(11b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerR.S. Ambrish 2-0-9-0
13:15 IST:
2.6: R.S. Ambrish to Khalid Ahmadzai, Very full, outside off, Khalid firms the drive but it goes straight to mid off.
13:14 IST:
2.5: R.S. Ambrish to Khalid Ahmadzai, Ambrish goes wide on the crease and targets the off pole, on a length. Ahmadzai brings his bat out in front for the block. Gets it off the outer half to backward point.
13:13 IST:
2.4: R.S. Ambrish to Khalid Ahmadzai, Angled in at the pads, Khalid makes use of the angle and nurdles it behind square to the left of deep fine leg for a couple of runs.
13:13 IST:
2.3: R.S. Ambrish to Osman Sadat, Lands it on a back of a length, outside off, Sadat gets on his toes to force it through the off side. The ball holds up in the surface and Osman checks his shot. He pats it to the right of the cover fielder for a quick single.
13:12 IST:
2.2: R.S. Ambrish to Osman Sadat, Dishes out a full ball now, outside off, Sadat plays the square drive but picks out the fielder at point.
13:12 IST:
2.1: R.S. Ambrish to Osman Sadat, Beaten! Ambrish bends his back and bashes the surface. On a hard length, on off. Sadat hangs on the back foot to deal with it. He tries to cover the line but the ball kicks up a bit and whistles past the outside edge.
Score 10/0
BatsmanKhalid Ahmadzai 5(8b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerHenil Patel 1-0-4-0
13:11 IST:
1.6: Henil Patel to Khalid Ahmadzai, Pitches it up, just outside the off stump. Khalid is solid in defence.
13:10 IST:
1.5: Henil Patel to Khalid Ahmadzai, On a short of a length, outside off, Khalid gets on top of it and pats it to cover.
13:09 IST:
1.4: Henil Patel to Khalid Ahmadzai, Stays full, around off, Khalid goes hard on the drive this time and the bat turns in his hand. Miscues it off the inner half back to the bowler.
13:09 IST:
1.3: Henil Patel to Khalid Ahmadzai, FOUR! All class from Ahmadzai! Patel serves it full, moving away in the air. Khalid leans into the drive and just caresses it between cover and mid off for a four.
13:08 IST:
1.2: Henil Patel to Khalid Ahmadzai, Fuller and a hint of away shape, outside off. Ahmadzai extends his hands and punches it away but can't beat Kanishk Chouhan at backward point.
13:07 IST:
1.1: Henil Patel to Khalid Ahmadzai, Henil is right on the money! At the sticks, on a good length. Khalid covers the line and defends it right under his eyes.
13:10 IST:
Kingshuk says

Good start from Ambrish

After straying down the leg side on the first ball, it was good recovery from RS Ambrish. He drops the ball on the fuller length and asks the batter to come forward.

The in-form Khalid gets a big edge in the penultimate ball, but the ball falls short of deep third.

Good start from India. You can tell that the conditions are going to be testy in the first 10 overs.

 

13:07 IST:
Henil Patel will take the other new ball.
Score 6/0
BatsmanOsman Sadat 5(4b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerR.S. Ambrish 1-0-6-0
13:06 IST:
0.6: R.S. Ambrish to Osman Sadat, In and around the off pole, keeps it full, Osman presses forward and blocks it off.
13:05 IST:
0.5: R.S. Ambrish to Khalid Ahmadzai, In the air...but safe! Fuller in length, near the tramline on off. Ahmadzai tries to cash in on the width and throws his hands at the ball. The ball flies down to deep third off a thickish outside edge. Henil Patel runs in off the ropes but the ball does not carry and he collects it on the bounce. They cross.
13:05 IST:
0.4: R.S. Ambrish to Khalid Ahmadzai, Angled in on the off stump, on a good length, Khali strides to the pitch of the ball and taps it to cover.
13:05 IST:
0.3: R.S. Ambrish to Osman Sadat, Pushes the length up, near the popping crease, outside off. Sadat runs it down to deep third and gets to the other end.
13:05 IST:
0.2: R.S. Ambrish to Osman Sadat, Drags the length back, outside off, Osman hangs back and punches it from the crease to cover.
13:05 IST:
0.1: R.S. Ambrish to Osman Sadat, FOUR! Osman Sadat and Afghanistan are up and running! Ambrish goes full in search of swing but ends up dishing out a half-volley on the pads. Sadat brings his wrists into play and just flicks it behind square leg for a boundary.
13:05 IST:
All in readiness now! The sun is out here in Harare and there is no threat of rain at the moment. Hopefully, it remains the same. We can see the India Under-19 players in a huddle, before they spread out and take their fielding positions. Osman Sadat and Khalid Ahmadzai are the two openers for Afghanistan Under-19. R.S. Ambrish has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Two slips in place as well. Let's play...
12:56 IST:
We are moments away from the first ball, but before that, Ayush Mhatre and Mahboob Khan lead their respective teams out in the middle and line up for the national anthems. It will be Afghanistan's first, followed by that of India.
12:53 IST:
A quick chat with India's head coach - Hrishikesh Kanitkar says it has been a great journey so far and believes the boys are talented. He acknowledges that many of them are not yet used to the scale of a stage like this. Kanitkar adds that this is where he feels he can contribute most as a coach. Reckons that for the players, it is about understanding what works for them and continuing to trust that process. He also points out that there will be plenty of distractions, especially external noise, and stresses the importance of not being sidetracked by them. Credits the approachable nature of Sunil Joshi and VVS Laxman for making it easier for young players to open up and settle into the setup.
12:44 IST:
PITCH REPORT - Tino Mawayo is pitchside. He says that there was some rain around to start the World Cup, but Harare has one of the best drainage systems in Zimbabwe, and the outfield has quickened up. Ed Rainsford joins him and says that they are at 1500-metre altitude and the ball is going to fly. Tells that if the batters trust their shots, it will get over. Mentions that the middle overs have been the toughest going at 4.5 runs per over, but you need to push the game on in that phase. Says that the surface looks really hard. A few cracks, but he doesn't expect it to have much impact. Ends by saying that there is some grass covering, he expects it to come on nicely, but as a bowler, you just want the ball in your hand.
12:42 IST:
The captain of India Under-19 - Ayush Mhatre says that he is happy to bowl first, and it looks like a good wicket. Shares that he is happy with the attitude his boys have shown on the field. Mentions that they want to keep things simple. Informs that they are unchanged for this game.
12:41 IST:
The captain of Afghanistan Under-19 - Mahboob Khan says that they will bat first. Adds that the wicket looks good for batting. Praises Faisal Khan for the way he has batted throughout the World Cup. Mentions that there is not much difference in the wicket, just it's good for batting and maybe some swing. Ends by saying that they are a very good team and want to make it to the final.
12:50 IST:
Afghanistan Under-19 (Playing XI) - Khalid Ahmadzai, Osman Sadat, Faisal Khan, Uzairullah Niazai, Mahboob Khan (C/WK), Aziz Mia Khil, Khatir Stanikzai (In for Aqil Khan), Nooristani, Abdul Aziz, Rohullah Arab and Wahid Zadran.
12:50 IST:
India Under-19 (Unchanged Playing XI) - Aaron George, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ayush Mhatre (C), Vihaan Malhotra, Abhigyan Kundu (WK), Vedant Trivedi, R.S. Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan A. Patel, Henil Patel and D. Deepesh.
12:41 IST:
TOSS - Ayush Mhatre and Mahboob Khan are all set for the flip of the coin. The coin goes up and comes down in favour of Khan. Afghanistan elect to BAT first.
12:48 IST:
Afghanistan's tale - For Afghanistan Under-19, this has been a tournament of redemption. After being winless in the group stage in the previous edition in 2024, they have turned the script completely this time, toppling the likes of South Africa and West Indies. This marks Afghanistan's third semi-final appearance in the tournament's history, and they are now eyeing a maiden final in a global event, a first at any level, whether junior or senior. Stay tuned for the toss and team news.
12:40 IST:
India's story - The five-time champions have not been as dominant as we have come to expect from them at this tournament and have faced challenges along the way from Bangladesh and Pakistan. Ayush Mhatre’s side will be well aware that they have not quite played their best cricket yet, and they will be striving to find that level today, and should the result go their way, once again on the day of the final.
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