Under-19 World Cup 2026 has now reached its decisive phase and India is going to face Afghanistan in the second semi-final. This match will be played at the Harare Sports Club ground in Harare. The Indian team has performed brilliantly throughout the tournament and has been unbeaten so far, while Afghanistan has also made it to the last four by showing a strong game.
Invincible India, a strong contender for the final
The Indian Under-19 team has been seen playing with excellent balance in this World Cup. Restraint in batting and aggression in bowling have been the biggest strengths of the team. India has won all its matches so far and did not appear under pressure in any match. History also goes in favor of India. Team India is the most successful team of the Under-19 World Cup, which has won the title 6 times. Not only this, India has played the finals every time in the last 5 tournaments, which shows its consistency.
India’s dominance in head-to-head
So far 12 Youth ODI matches have been played between India and Afghanistan at Under-19 level. India has won 10 of these matches, while Afghanistan has won only 2. The last time both the teams came face to face in 2024, where India registered an easy victory by 9 wickets. However, both of Afghanistan’s victories came in Lucknow in 2019, which makes it clear that it can be dangerous to take Team India lightly.
Strength of Afghanistan: Faisal Sinozada
Faisal Sinozada has emerged as the biggest match-winner for Afghanistan in this tournament. He has scored 325 runs in 5 matches. During this period, one century and two half-centuries have come from his bat. His continuity can be a big challenge for India. Nuristani Omarzai has performed brilliantly in bowling and has kept Afghanistan’s hopes alive by taking 12 wickets in 5 matches.
Indian bowling became the key to victory
The role of bowlers has been most important in India’s success. Henil Patel has taken 11 wickets so far, while RS Ambareesh and Khilan Patel have taken 8-8 wickets. Captain Ayush Mhatre and Vihaan Malhotra have also put pressure on the opposition teams with part-time bowling. The tight line-length of the Indian bowlers can be gauged from the fact that no team has been able to reach 200 runs against India in this tournament.
