India U19 vs Afghanistan U19 World Cup Semifinal: Dominant India Eye Record Sixth Title

As the ICC Under-19 World Cup reaches its thrilling knockout stages, an unbeaten and supremely confident Indian team stands poised to take on Afghanistan in Wednesday's highly anticipated semifinal clash. With a flawless record in the tournament so far, India enters this crucial encounter as overwhelming favorites, backed by their rich history and current dominant form.

India's Glorious Legacy and Current Campaign

India holds the distinguished title of being the most successful side in the history of the Under-19 World Cup, having lifted the prestigious trophy an impressive five times. Their championship victories came in the years 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, and 2022, placing them ahead of traditional rivals Australia, who have secured four titles. This Wednesday, the young Indian squad will aim to move one step closer to etching their names in history by pursuing a record-extending sixth crown, a feat that would further solidify their dominance in youth cricket.

The Indian campaign in this edition has been nothing short of spectacular, characterized by comprehensive victories in all five of their matches. Their journey included a particularly satisfying 58-run triumph over arch-rivals Pakistan during the Super Six stage, showcasing their all-round strength and mental fortitude. The team has displayed remarkable consistency, with both batting and bowling units firing in unison, making them a formidable opponent for any side.

Afghanistan's Impressive Journey

On the other side of the pitch, Afghanistan has carved out an impressive path to the semifinals, demonstrating resilience and skill. They have secured victories in four out of their five matches, with their sole defeat coming against Sri Lanka by a narrow margin of four wickets. The Afghan team, known for their passionate and fearless brand of cricket, will be eager to create an upset and advance to their first-ever Under-19 World Cup final. Their journey reflects the growing cricketing prowess in the nation and sets the stage for a compelling contest.

When analyzing current form, squad depth, and historical performance, India undoubtedly holds the upper hand. However, in knockout cricket, past records often matter little, and Afghanistan's spirited approach could pose significant challenges. The semifinal promises to be a captivating battle between India's structured excellence and Afghanistan's raw determination.

Match Details and Streaming Information

When will the India vs Afghanistan ICC U19 World Cup 2026 semifinal be played?

The crucial semifinal encounter between India and Afghanistan is scheduled for Wednesday, February 4.

Where will the India vs Afghanistan ICC U19 World Cup 2026 semifinal be played?

The match will be hosted at the historic Harare Sports Club in Harare, Zimbabwe. The game is set to commence at 1:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).

What is the toss time for IND U19 vs AFG U19 World Cup semifinal?

The toss will take place at 12:30 PM IST, thirty minutes before the start of play.

How to watch IND U19 vs AFG U19 in India?

Cricket enthusiasts in India can catch the live broadcast of this high-stakes match on the Star Sports Network channels.

How to live stream IND vs AFG semifinal in India?

For those preferring digital viewing, live streaming of the India–Afghanistan semifinal will be available on the Jio Hotstar app and website, ensuring fans don't miss a moment of the action.

Probable Playing XIs and Squad Lists

India Probable XI:

Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Aaron George
Ayush Mhatre (Captain)
Vihaan Malhotra
Abhigyan Kundu
Vedant Trivedi
Kanishk Chouhan
RS Ambrish
Khilan Patel
Henil Patel
Deepesh Devendran

Afghanistan Probable XI:

Faisal Shinozada
Khalid Ahmadzai
Osman Sadat
Uzairullah Niazai
Mahboob Khan (Captain)
Azizullah Miakhil
Nooristani Omarzai
Abdul Aziz
Roohullah Arab
Wahidullah Zadran
Aqil Khan

India U-19 Full Squad:

Aaron George
Abhigyan Kundu
Harvansh Pangalia
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Vedant Trivedi
Ayush Mhatre (Captain)
Vihaan Malhotra
RS Ambrish
Kanishk Chouhan
Khilan Patel
Deepesh Devendran
Henil Patel
Mohamed Enaan
Udhav Mohan
Kishan Singh

Afghanistan U-19 Full Squad:

Mahboob Khan (Captain)
Azizullah Miakhil
Faisal Shinozada
Khalid Ahmadzai
Osman Sadat
Uzairullah Niazai
Abdul Aziz
Aqil Khan
Khatir Stanikzai
Nazifullah Amiri
Nooristani Omarzai
Roohullah Arab
Salam Khan
Wahidullah Zadran
Zaitullah Shaheen

As the cricketing world turns its attention to Harare, all eyes will be on these young talents as they battle for a place in the final. With India seeking to extend their legacy and Afghanistan aiming to script a new chapter, this semifinal is set to be a memorable chapter in Under-19 cricket history.