On February 4, 2026, Aaron George’s remarkable century led India to a commanding victory over Afghanistan, securing their place in the ICC U19 World Cup final. The match, held on Wednesday, saw India achieve a seven-wicket win, setting up a final against England on February 6.
India faced a daunting target of 311 runs after Afghanistan’s Faisal Shinozada and Uzairullah Niazal both scored centuries, reaching 310 for four. However, India chased down the total in just 41.1 overs, marking their highest-ever chase in the U19 World Cup.
Aaron George, with a composed 115 off 104 balls, was the architect of the chase. Supported by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s explosive 68 off 33 balls and Ayush Mhatre’s crucial 62 off 59 balls, India maintained a run rate above seven.
The BCCI’s structured junior cricket program continues to bear fruit, showcasing India’s depth in young talent. As India prepares to face England in their 10th U19 final, the team’s confidence is high, with George stating, ‘We are looking forward to the big final.’
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 5th, 2026
Follow SouthAsianDesk on X, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business and current affairs from across South Asia.
