India booked their place in the Under-19 Asia Cup final with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the semifinal in Muscat on Sunday, setting up a highly anticipated title clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on Saturday.
Led by Lakshya Raichandani, the Indian youngsters delivered an impressive all-round performance, dominating Afghanistan with disciplined bowling and confident batting to secure their spot in the tournament’s summit clash.
Afghanistan elected to bat first but struggled to build momentum against India’s controlled bowling attack. Despite half-centuries from Noman Salarzai and Shah Faisal Rahimi, the Afghan side could only manage 227 for eight in their allotted overs.
Salarzai scored a patient 51 from 78 deliveries, while Rahimi contributed 51 off 72 balls. However, India’s bowlers maintained tight lines and lengths, preventing Afghanistan from accelerating during crucial stages of the innings.
Ishan Sood emerged as India’s standout bowler, claiming three wickets for 43 runs and playing a significant role in restricting the opposition to a manageable total.
Chasing 228 for victory, India made a flying start as captain Raichandani and Aaryavir Sehwag stitched together a century opening partnership that effectively took the contest away from Afghanistan.
Raichandani, who had struggled with the bat in his previous two matches, returned to form in style. The Indian skipper struck an impressive 93 off 90 balls, narrowly missing out on a well-deserved century.
Sehwag continued his excellent tournament form, scoring 51 from 57 deliveries. Coming into the semifinal after a match-winning knock of 160, the young opener once again provided India with a solid platform.
Their partnership ensured India remained firmly in control throughout the chase, leaving Afghanistan with little opportunity to stage a comeback.
After both openers departed, VK Vineeth and Yashbardhan Singh Chauhan comfortably guided India across the finish line.
Vineeth remained unbeaten on 57 from 62 balls, while Chauhan contributed a quick 16 off 14 deliveries as India completed the chase with 13.1 overs remaining.
The emphatic victory underlined India’s strong form heading into the final, with contributions coming from both experienced performers and emerging talents.
India will now turn their attention to Pakistan in what promises to be an exciting Under-19 Asia Cup final. With confidence high after their convincing semifinal triumph, Raichandani’s side will look to carry the momentum into the title decider and finish the tournament as champions.
