Malayali star Aaron George scores century, India enters U-19 World Cup final

HARARE (ZIMBABWE): India entered the U-19 World Cup final thanks to a century by Malayali star Aaron George. India defeated Afghanistan by seven wickets in the semi-final. Chasing a huge target of 311 runs, India chased it down in 41.1 overs with the loss of just three wickets. India will face England in the final on Friday. India, who have won the cup the most times in the history of the tournament, have now qualified for their 10th final.

Chasing a huge target, India got off to a flying start with Vaibhav Suryavanshi's 68 off 33 balls. Vaibhav had hit four sixes and nine fours before returning after giving Afghanistan the first wicket in the 10th over. Another opener and Malayali star Aaron George led the team to victory with a brilliant century. The Kottayam native was dismissed after scoring 115 runs off 104 balls. Aaron hit 15 fours and two sixes.

Captain Ayush Mhatre scored a half-century of 62 (59). The 114-run partnership between Aaron and Mhatre for the second wicket laid the foundation for the victory. Vihaan Malhotra made 38* (47) and Vedant Trivedi 5* (6) remained unbeaten.

Afghanistan, who batted first, scored 310 runs for the loss of four wickets in 50 overs. Centuries from Faisal Khan Shinozada (110/93) and Uzairullah Niazai (101/86) helped Afghanistan post a good total. Kanishk Chauhan and Deepesh Devendran took two wickets each for India.