India U19 faces Afghanistan U19 in a crucial World Cup semifinal clash today at the Harare Sports Club, Harare. India, with an unblemished record in the tournament, aims to continue their dominance and secure a spot in their tenth final. Afghanistan, making their third semifinal appearance, seeks to upset the odds and reach their first-ever World Cup final.

Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first. The team composition for India U19 includes Ayush Mhatre (C), Abhigyan Kundu (WK), Aaron George, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Vihaan Malhotra, Vedant Trivedi, R.S. Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan A. Patel, Henil Patel, and D. Deepesh. Afghanistan U19 features Mahboob Khan (C/WK), Khalid Ahmadzai, Osman Sadat, Faisal Khan, Uzairullah Niazai, Aziz Mia Khil, Khatir Stanikzai, Nooristani, Abdul Aziz, Rohullah Arab, and Wahid Zadran.

India's journey to the semifinal has been impressive, with victories against the USA, Bangladesh, and New Zealand in the group stage, followed by wins over Zimbabwe and Pakistan in the Super Six round. Afghanistan, after a strong start with three wins, suffered a setback against Sri Lanka but recovered to qualify for the semis.

India has a strong head-to-head record against Afghanistan in Youth ODIs, with 10 wins out of 12 matches. Their only U19 World Cup encounter was in 2010, which India won convincingly.

Key players for India include Abhigyan Kundu, who has amassed 199 runs in five games, and the bowling duo of Henil Patel and R.S. Ambrish, each with 11 wickets. Afghanistan's batting is expected to be led by Faisal Shinozada.

The winner of this semi-final will face England, who defeated Australia in a thrilling first semi-final. England's victory was fueled by a century from Thomas Rew, while Australia's captain Oliver Peake also scored a century in a losing effort.

The pitch at Harare Sports Club is expected to be sluggish, potentially favoring spinners. The weather forecast predicts no rain, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 27 degrees Celsius.

India aims to reach their record-extending tenth final and potentially win their sixth title. Since 2016, India has consistently reached the semi-finals, with multiple final appearances and two title wins in 2018 and 2022. Afghanistan, on the other hand, will be determined to make history by reaching their first U19 World Cup final.