Afghanistan U-19 captain Mahboob Khan won the toss and elected to bat first against India U-19 in the second semi-final of ICC U19 World Cup 2026. By choosing to set a target, Afghanistan is looking to put the scoreboard pressure on five-time champions, India, who have chased comfortably throughout the tournament.

The venue has seen high-scoring drama throughout the tournament, and the numbers provide a clear blueprint for what constitutes a "safe" score:

The battle in the first 10 overs will be decisive. India's Henil Patel has been lethal with the new ball (11 wickets), but Afghanistan's openers have shown they can weather the early "zip" found at Harare.

If Afghanistan enters the 15th over with fewer than two wickets down, they are well on their way to a match-winning total.

If Afghanistan enters the 15th over with fewer than two wickets down, they are well on their way to a match-winning total.