Who Will Win India U19 vs Afghanistan U19 2nd Semi-Final ODI 2026 Match Prediction

The India U19 vs Afghanistan U19 prediction for the 2nd Semi-Final ODI of the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 clearly highlights a clash between tournament favourites and a rapidly improving underdog. Scheduled for Wednesday, 4th February 2026 at the Harare Sports Club, Harare, this high-stakes encounter will decide who advances to the grand final. India U19 have been flawless so far, winning all their matches convincingly, while Afghanistan U19 have surprised many with disciplined performances to reach the semi-finals.

Historically, India U19 have completely dominated this fixture. They have won all four previous encounters against Afghanistan U19, often by comfortable margins. That trend, combined with current form, strongly shapes the India U19 vs Afghanistan U19 prediction in India’s favour. India’s batting depth, bowling variety, and match temperament have stood out throughout the tournament.

Harare Sports Club traditionally offers balanced conditions, where teams that bat sensibly and bowl tight lines are rewarded. A score in the 240–260 range is usually competitive here. India’s top order, featuring aggressive stroke-makers and reliable anchors, looks perfectly suited to these conditions. Afghanistan U19, meanwhile, rely heavily on a few key performers and will need exceptional individual efforts to upset the favourites.

Afghanistan’s journey to the semi-finals deserves praise. They finished second in their group and produced dominant wins, including a massive victory over Ireland. However, facing an unbeaten India side in a knockout match is a different challenge altogether. Unless Afghanistan can strike early with the ball and apply sustained pressure, the India U19 vs Afghanistan U19 prediction points toward India securing another convincing win and booking a place in the final.

Match Details

Team Preview

India U19 Preview

India U19 have been the standout team of the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026, arriving at the semi-finals unbeaten and full of confidence. Their campaign has been marked by consistency in all departments, making them the most balanced side in the competition. Whether batting first or chasing, India have controlled matches with maturity beyond their age.

The top order has laid the foundation for most victories. Abhigyan Kundu has been the backbone of the batting lineup, scoring 199 runs in four innings at an impressive average of 66.33. His ability to rotate strike and build partnerships has ensured India rarely lose early momentum. Alongside him, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has provided explosive starts, smashing 196 runs at a strike rate of 134. His aggressive approach in the powerplay often puts opponents on the back foot immediately.

India’s middle order adds further stability. Ayush Mhatre, Vihaan Malhotra, and Kanishk Chouhan have all contributed when required. Malhotra, in particular, has been remarkably consistent, scoring 172 runs at an average of 57.33 while also chipping in with the ball. This depth ensures India are not overly reliant on just one or two batters.

Bowling has been equally dominant. Henil Patel has been exceptional, picking up 11 wickets at an economy of just 3.72. RS Ambrish and Khilan Patel have supported him well, while spin options like Mhatre and Malhotra provide flexibility. India’s ability to attack with multiple bowling combinations makes them extremely hard to counter in knockout matches.

Afghanistan U19 Preview

Afghanistan U19 have had a commendable World Cup campaign, reaching the semi-finals through disciplined cricket and strong individual performances. Winning four of their five matches, they have shown resilience and confidence, particularly against teams ranked closer to them. However, facing India in a semi-final presents their toughest test yet.

Batting has been led by Faisal Shinozada, who has been sensational throughout the tournament. With 325 runs in five innings at an average of 81.25, he has consistently provided Afghanistan with strong starts. His ability to score at a strike rate over 100 makes him Afghanistan’s most dangerous batter. Osman Sadat and Mahboob Khan have provided stability in the middle order, both crossing the 170-run mark this tournament.

The bowling unit has also been impressive. Nooristani Omarzai has been the standout bowler, taking 12 wickets at an excellent economy of 3.65. He has often broken partnerships at crucial moments. Abdul Aziz and Khatir Stanikzai have added support, while Wahidullah Zadran offers control with his accurate lines. Despite these positives, Afghanistan will need their bowlers to produce something extraordinary to contain India’s deep batting lineup.

Team Squads

India U19:
Aaron George, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Ayush Mhatre, Vihaan Malhotra, Abhigyan Kundu, Vedant Trivedi, RS Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan Patel, Henil Patel, Deepesh Devendran

Afghanistan U19:
Khalid Ahmadzai, Osman Sadat, Faisal Shinozada, Uzairullah Niazai, Mahboob Khan, Azizullah Miakhil, Nooristani Omarzai, Abdul Aziz, Khatir Stanikzai, Wahidullah Zadran, Aqil Khan

Probable Playing XI

Favourite Team Today – India U19 (Why?)

India U19 are clear favourites due to their unbeaten run, superior squad depth, and dominant head-to-head record against Afghanistan U19. Their batting lineup has multiple match-winners, while their bowling attack offers variety and control in all phases. Afghanistan rely heavily on a few key players, whereas India can absorb failures and still dominate. In a high-pressure semi-final, India’s composure and balance give them a decisive edge.

Pitch Report

The Harare Sports Club pitch generally offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. Early on, seamers can extract movement with the new ball, but once batters settle, stroke-making becomes easier. Spinners come into play during the middle overs, especially if they bowl accurately. Teams batting first usually aim for totals in the 240–260 range, which can be competitive in knockout matches. Building partnerships is crucial on this surface.

Weather Report

Clear and sunny conditions are expected in Harare on match day. There is minimal chance of rain, and temperatures will be comfortable, ensuring uninterrupted play throughout the semi-final.

Broadcast Details

The India U19 vs Afghanistan U19 2nd Semi-Final ODI will be streamed live on FanCode, providing live coverage, ball-by-ball commentary, and highlights for fans.

Toss Prediction

The team winning the toss is likely to bat first. In knockout matches at Harare, putting runs on the board and applying pressure has generally proven to be the better strategy.

Probable Batsman & Bowler

For India U19, Abhigyan Kundu is the key batter due to his consistency and ability to anchor the innings. Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s aggressive starts can change the game quickly. With the ball, Henil Patel is expected to lead the attack with his accuracy and wicket-taking ability.

For Afghanistan U19, Faisal Shinozada remains the biggest batting threat and will need to score heavily. Nooristani Omarzai is the bowler to watch, as his ability to take wickets in the middle overs could be Afghanistan’s best chance of staying competitive.

Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.

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