Aaron George’s Calculated Century, Suryavanshi’s Firepower Drive India into Record 10th U-19 World Cup Final

A calm, composed century from Aaron George and a fiery half-century from Vaibhav Suryavanshi, highlighting a sharp contrast in batting philosophies, powered India into their sixth successive ICC Under-19 World Cup final and their 10th overall appearance in the title clash of the marquee age-group tournament.

Chasing a daunting 311 against Afghanistan in the semifinal at Harare on Wednesday, India pulled off their highest-ever chase in U-19 World Cup history, cruising home in just 41.1 overs with seven wickets in hand and almost nine overs to spare.

The five-time champions will now meet England in the final on Friday.

Hyderabad’s 19-year-old George played the anchor’s role to perfection with a 115 off 104 balls, which included 15 fours and two sixes.

Opening alongside the explosive Suryavanshi, George’s calm temperament and perfect timing made the imposing target appear far more manageable than it actually was.

Suryavanshi, known for his aggressive approach, tore into the Afghan attack with a quick-fire 68 off just 33 balls, his third half-century of the tournament.

With nine fours and four sixes, his runs formed the bulk of India’s 90-run opening partnership and helped take the pressure off his teammates.

George’s calculated strokeplay and Suryavanshi’s power hitting set the tone for India’s 300-plus run chase.

George and Mhatre Steady the Chase

In the tournament, Suryavanshi has now amassed 264 runs in six innings at an average of 44.00 and a strike rate of over 147, with three fifties and a top score of 72.

His tally of 15 sixes is the most by an Indian in a single U-19 World Cup edition and joint second-highest overall, behind South Africa’s Dewald Brevis, who hit 18 sixes in the 2022 edition.

Suryavanshi enjoyed a slice of fortune when Uzairullah Niazai dropped him on 22 at point off Abdul Aziz.

He made the most of it, continuing his assault, including a stunning helicopter-shot six off pacer Nooristani Omarzai.

He was later dismissed while attempting a pull shot off Omarzai, finding Osman Sadat inside the circle.

After Suryavanshi’s departure, George shifted gears and formed a decisive partnership with captain Ayush Mhatre.

The duo added 114 runs in a little over 17 overs and took India past the 200-run mark in just the 27th over.

Mhatre, who had struggled with the bat earlier in the tournament, scored a calculated 62 off 59 balls, hitting five fours and four sixes.

George continued his calmness on the pitch despite India losing the wicket of Mhatre and then proceeded to have a 96 runs stand with Vihaan Malhotra for the third wicket.

Malhotra remained unbeaten on 38 off 47 balls, with three fours, while George brought up his hundred off 95 deliveries with a delightful tuck past mid-wicket for four.

He was eventually dismissed before the finish, but by then the result was beyond doubt.

George’s knock puts him in elite U-19 World Cup company

“It was a very grateful opportunity, especially in such a crucial game for the team. I’m happy I could contribute. I knew I was batting well, so the conversion definitely mattered. I’m glad I trusted the process and kept believing in my game,” George said after being named Player of the Match.

George’s hundred placed him among an elite group of Indian batters to score centuries in U-19 World Cup knockout matches.

The list includes Cheteshwar Pujara, Unmukt Chand, Rishabh Pant, Yash Dhull, Ravneet Ricky, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill and Manjot Kalra.

Earlier, Afghanistan had posted a formidable 310 for four after opting to bat, built around commanding centuries from Faizal Shinozada and Uzairullah Niazai.

Shinozada top-scored with 110 off 93 balls, hammering 15 fours, while Niazai remained unbeaten on 101 off 86 deliveries, hitting 12 fours and two sixes. For India, Deepesh Devendran and Kanishk Chouhan picked up two wickets each.

Afghanistan made a steady start as openers Osman Sadat and Khalid Ahmadzai put on 53 runs before Devendran struck in the 13th over to dismiss Ahmadzai for 31 off 39 balls.

Shinozada then added 64 runs for the second wicket with Sadat, who scored 39 off 70 balls before being dismissed by Chouhan early in the 25th over, caught at long-off after an ill-judged shot.

India’s emphatic victory underlined the depth and structure of the country’s junior cricket system, as they marched into yet another U-19 World Cup final, reaffirming their status as the tournament’s most consistent side.

(With inputs from ANI)