Aaron George’s 115 Powers India to Record‑Breaking U19 World Cup Final
Updated (2 articles)
India shatters chase record in semifinal
On 4 February 2026, India pursued Afghanistan’s 310/4 and reached the target in 41.1 overs, establishing the highest‑ever chase in U19 World Cup history [1]. The run‑rate stayed above seven throughout, and the win secured a place in the final against England, marking India’s tenth appearance at this stage [1].
Aaron George’s rapid hundred anchors innings
Kerala‑born right‑hander Aaron George struck 115 off 104 balls, hitting his hundred in just 95 deliveries [1]. His aggressive stroke‑play anchored a 114‑run partnership with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (68) and Ayush Mhatre (62), who supplied brisk support to maintain momentum [1].
Afghanistan’s 310 built on twin centuries
Afghanistan posted 310/4, propelled by centuries from Shinozada (110) and Niazal (101) [1]. Their aggressive batting set a formidable total, but India’s bowlers failed to claim early wickets, allowing the chase to unfold [1].
India’s final berth and junior programme success
The semifinal victory positions India for a final clash with England, underscoring the BCCI’s structured junior development pipeline that consistently produces world‑class talent [1].
India A’s warm‑up win showcases emerging stars
Two days earlier, on 2 February 2026, India A defeated the USA by 38 runs at DY Patil Stadium, posting 238/3 [2]. Narayan Jagadeesan hit a 104‑run blitz in 55 balls, while returning player Tilak Varma contributed 38 off 24 and claimed a wicket [2]. Captain Ayush Badoni added a rapid 60* off 26, and the bowlers, led by Ravi Bishnoi (3/37), limited the USA to 200 in 19.4 overs [2].
Sources
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1.
The Hindu: Aaron George’s Century Powers India into U19 World Cup Final – details the record chase, George’s 115, supporting half‑centuries, Afghanistan’s centuries, and India’s final qualification .
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2.
The Hindu: India A defeats USA by 38 runs in ICC T20 World Cup warm‑up, Jagadeesan hits century – reports India A’s 238/3 total, Jagadeesan’s 104, Varma’s comeback, Badoni’s quickfire 60*, and bowling figures that sealed the win .
Timeline
Feb 2, 2026 – India A posts 238/3 and beats the United States by 38 runs in an ICC T20 World Cup warm‑up at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, while the USA are bowled out for 200 in 19.4 overs; Narayan Jagadeesan scores a rapid 104 off 55 balls, Tilak Varma returns from a month‑long lay‑off with 38 off 24 and a wicket, and captain Ayush Badoni adds a quick‑fire 60* off 26, as bowlers Ravi Bishnoi (3/37), Naman Dhir (2/6), Khaleel Ahmed (2/25) and Varma each claim wickets [2].
Feb 4, 2026 – Aaron George hits 115 off 104 balls, reaching a century in 95 deliveries, and leads India to chase down Afghanistan’s 310/4 in 41.1 overs—the highest‑ever chase in U19 World Cup history—while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (68) and Ayush Mhatre (62) provide rapid support; Afghanistan’s innings feature centuries from Shinozada (110) and Niazal (101), and India’s win secures a place in the final against England, its 10th U19 final appearance [1].
Feb 2026 (upcoming) – India prepares to face England in the U19 World Cup final later this month, a matchup that continues the BCCI’s structured junior programme legacy and offers a chance to claim the tournament title [1].