HARARE: India will face England in Friday’s ICC U19 World Cup final after registering a dominant seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the second semi-final at Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe, on Wednesday.

Batting first, Afghanistan posted an imposing total of 310-4 in their 50 overs, thanks to brilliant centuries from Faisal Shinozada and Uzairullah Niazai. The pair added 148 runs for the third wicket to put Afghanistan in a strong position.

Shinozada was the leading scorer with a rapid 110 off 93 balls, including 15 fours, while Niazai remained unbeaten on 101 from 86 deliveries, striking 12 fours and two sixes.

Openers Osman Sadat and Khalid Ahmadzai provided a solid start, contributing 39 and 31, respectively.

For India, Deepesh Devendran and Kanishk Chohan claimed two wickets each.

In reply, India chased down the challenging 311-run target with ease, losing only three wickets and finishing with 53 balls to spare.

Opener Aaron George led the run chase with a superb 115 off 104 balls, hitting 15 fours and two sixes.

His partner Vaibhav Sooriyavanshi gave India a blistering start, smashing 68 off just 33 balls with nine fours and four sixes.

Captain Ayush Mhatre played a steady supporting role, scoring 62 off 59 balls with five fours and four sixes before being dismissed in the 27th over.

Nooristani Omarzai was Afghanistan’s best bowler, taking two wickets for 64 runs, while Wahidullah Zadran picked up one.

With this win, India booked their place in the final, where they will take on England for the U19 World Cup title.