India Sets Record for Largest Run Chase in U19 World Cup History, Reaching Final

Harare. The Indian youth team has secured a place in the final of the tournament for the tenth time by setting a record for the largest run chase in the history of the Under-19 World Cup.

Defeating Afghanistan by 7 wickets in a thrilling second semi-final held on Wednesday, India confirmed a clash with England for the title. India will face England in the final match scheduled for February 6.

Batting first after winning the toss at the Harare Sports Club, Afghanistan posted a strong total of 310 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in the stipulated 50 overs. For Afghanistan, Faisal Shinwazda scored a century of 110 runs and Uzairullah Niazi scored an unbeaten century of 101 runs. On the bowling side, India's Dipesh Devendran and Kanishk Chauhan took two wickets each, but they struggled to stop the Afghan batters.

Chasing a massive target of 311 runs, India achieved the victory in just 41.1 overs, losing 3 wickets, with explosive batting. Opener Aarav George contributed a magnificent century of 115 runs in India's win, while Vaibhav Suryavanshi scored 68 and captain Ayush Mhatre scored 62 runs in half-century innings.

With this victory, India also set a new record for successfully completing the largest target in the history of the Under-19 World Cup and Youth ODI. This match, which saw a total of 620 runs scored, also broke the old record of 521 runs set between India and Afghanistan in Youth ODIs.