Summary
- India secured their place in the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup final after producing a commanding eight-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the second semi-final on Thursday, setting up an exciting showdown with defending champions Pakistan.
- India struck back with regular wickets, leaving Afghanistan struggling at 146-6 before the lower order attempted to rebuild the innings.
- Ishan Sood led India’s bowling effort with three wickets, while Aryan Savsani contributed two scalps to keep Afghanistan under pressure throughout their innings.
Captain Lakshya Raichandani delivered an outstanding performance with the bat, scoring 93 from 90 deliveries. His innings included 13 boundaries and a six, providing the foundation for India’s comfortable victory.
Aaryavir Sehwag offered valuable support with an entertaining 51 off 57 balls, striking four boundaries and three sixes. VK Vineeth also played an important role, remaining unbeaten on 57 from 62 deliveries to guide India towards the finish line.
Afghanistan’s bowling attack struggled to contain the Indian batters, with Sohail Khan and Noor Ali Niazai managing one wicket each.
Earlier, Afghanistan had been put into bat but struggled to establish consistent partnerships against India’s disciplined bowling attack. They finished their 50 overs at 227-8, falling short of what would have been a more competitive total.
Shah Faisal Rahimi and Noman Salarzai were the standout performers for Afghanistan, both scoring 51 runs. Their 57-run partnership for the fourth wicket helped revive the innings after Afghanistan slipped to 86-3.
However, their recovery did not last long. India struck back with regular wickets, leaving Afghanistan struggling at 146-6 before the lower order attempted to rebuild the innings.
Ishan Sood led India’s bowling effort with three wickets, while Aryan Savsani contributed two scalps to keep Afghanistan under pressure throughout their innings.
India’s convincing performance has now set up a highly anticipated final against Pakistan, who booked their place in the title decider after defeating Bangladesh by nine wickets in the first semi-final.
The two neighbouring cricket rivals will meet on Saturday at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Muscat, with Pakistan aiming to defend their continental crown against an Indian side arriving with considerable confidence.
With both teams displaying impressive form in the knockout stage, the final promises to be a thrilling contest for the Under-19 Asia Cup title.
