Afghanistan produced one of their finest batting efforts in the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 semifinal against India in Harare on Wednesday, reaching 199 for 2 after 25 overs. A composed top-order display allowed them to dictate terms, with India managing just two breakthroughs in a strong opening half of the innings.
Top order lays solid foundation
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Afghanistan’s openers Khalid Ahmadzai and Osman Sadat made a confident start. The pair added 42 runs without loss in the powerplay, setting the tone with assured shot selection and effective strike rotation.
The opening stand was broken at 53, when Deepesh Devendran dismissed Khalid Ahmadzai for 31 off 39 balls, providing India their first breakthrough.
Afghanistan maintains momentum
In-form Faisal Shinozada joined Osman Sadat and the duo stitched together a fluent half-century stand for the second wicket. Afghanistan continued to build steadily, keeping the run rate healthy while avoiding risks.
India struck again through Kanishak Chouhan, who removed Osman Sadat for a patient 39 off 70 balls. Despite the wicket, Afghanistan reached the halfway stage strongly placed at 119 for 2.
Indian bowlers search for control
With conditions offering little assistance, India’s bowlers found it difficult to contain the Afghan batters. Deepesh Devendran and Kanishak Chouhan were the only successful bowlers in the first half of the innings, claiming one wicket each as Afghanistan remained firmly in control.
The coin flip for the match went in Afghanistan's way who opted to bat first. Captain's take after toss: Ayush Mhatre (IND): Really happy with the toss. Wicket looks good as well. The boys are doing really well and we just need to play simple cricket and play to the potential. We are playing the same team for us. Mahboob Khan (AFG): We will bat first. Pitch looks good for batting, so we want to bat. We prepared well for this game and hopefully we will make it to the final as well. India vs Afghanistan U19 World Cup 2026 semifinal playing 11: India U19 playing 11: Aaron George, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ayush Mhatre(c), Vedant Trivedi, Vihaan Malhotra, Abhigyan Kundu(w), RS Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan Patel, Henil Patel, Deepesh Devendran Afghanistan U19 playing 11: Osman Sadat, Khalid Ahmadzai, Faisal Shinozada, Uzairullah Niazai, Mahboob Khan (C), Azizullah Miakhil, Khatir Stanikzai, Nooristani Omarzai, Abdul Aziz, Roohullah Arab, Wahidullah Zadran
With knockout qualification at stake, both sides are expected to go all-out in a high-pressure encounter.
India vs Afghanistan U19 World Cup 2026 semifinal: Broadcast details
| ICC U19 World Cup 2026: India vs Afghanistan broadcast details |
| Country / Region | TV Channel(s) | Live Streaming Platform |
| India | Star Sports | Jio Hotstar |
| United States | Willow TV | Willow TV |
| Canada | Willow TV | Willow TV |
| Pakistan | PTV Sports | Myco |
| Sri Lanka | Dialog Television, TV Supreme | Dialog ViU |
| South Africa | SuperSport | SuperSport App |
| United Kingdom | Not available | ICC.tv |
| Australia | Fox Sports | Kayo Sports |
| New Zealand | Sky Sport NZ | Sky Go |
| Middle East | beIN Sports | beIN Connect |
| Europe (selected regions) | Not available | ICC.tv |
| Rest of the World | Not available | ICC.tv |
India vs Afghanistan U19 World Cup 2026 semifinal: Today’s match live streaming and telecast details
When will the India U19 vs Afghanistan U19 semifinal match in ICC U19 World Cup 2026 take place?
The India U19 vs Afghanistan U19 semifinal match in ICC U19 World Cup 2026 will be played on Wednesday, February 4.
What will be the venue for India U19 vs Afghanistan U19 semifinal match in ICC U19 World Cup 2026?
The India U19 vs Afghanistan U19 semifinal match in ICC U19 World Cup 2026 will be played at the Harare Sports Club in Harare, Zimbabwe.
What time will the toss for the India U19 vs Afghanistan U19 match in ICC U19 World Cup 2026 take place?
The toss for the India U19 vs Afghanistan U19 semifinal match in ICC U19 World Cup 2026 will take place at 12:30 pm IST.
What time will the first ball for India U19 vs Afghanistan U19 semifinal match in ICC U19 World Cup 2026 be bowled?
The first ball of the India U19 vs Afghanistan U19 semifinal match in ICC U19 World Cup 2026 will be bowled at 1 pm IST.
Where to watch live telecast of India U19 vs Afghanistan U19 semifinal match in ICC U19 World Cup 2026 in India?
The live telecast of the India U19 vs Afghanistan U19 semifinal match in ICC U19 World Cup 2026 will be available on the Star Sports Network in India.
Where to watch the live streaming of the India U19 vs Afghanistan U19 semifinal match in the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 in India?
The live streaming of the India U19 vs Afghanistan U19 semifinal match in the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 will be available on the JioHotstar app and website in India.