7 Things To Know Before India vs Afghanistan Starts: U19 SF Today

India’s U19s have looked unbothered all tournament, but semi-finals don’t reward good vibes. In Harare, one loose spell or one nervy chase can turn into a long ride home. If you’re tuning in just before the start, here’s what’s actually worth knowing, Latest Sports Updates, minus the noise and prediction fluff.

7 Things That Matter Before The First Ball

1. Match basics: India vs Afghanistan, Harare Sports Club, February 4. Toss 12:30 PM IST, start 1:00 PM IST.
   
2. The headline: India are unbeaten and chasing a record-extending sixth U19 title; Afghanistan are chasing a first-ever final.
   
3. Captain watch: Ayush Mhatre’s pacing has steadied India’s middle overs; Mahboob Khan has kept Afghanistan attacking even under pressure.
   
4. The batter everyone is talking about: Afghanistan’s Faisal Shinozada comes in hot after a knockout century-making 163 that blew up highlight reels.
   
5. India’s edge: depth. Vedant Trivedi’s anchor role and Kanishk Chouhan’s finishing came right when India needed it vs Pakistan.
   
6. How Harare usually plays: new-ball patience matters. If the first 15 overs are tidy, the back end gets tense fast.
   
7. Where to watch: TV on Star Sports, streaming on JioHotstar.
   

What Could Decide It In The Last Ten Overs

Watch the “boring” stuff: dot-ball pressure, running between wickets, and death bowling plans. India have spread wickets around, but Afghanistan’s hitters have liked taking one bowler out of the game with two quick overs. If this turns into a chase under lights, the first missed chance in the ring could be the moment that gets replayed all week. For the cleanest official pre-match update, BCCI posted India’s semi-final setup on X.

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