Dhaka: India stormed into the final of the U-19 Asia Cup after registering a commanding eight-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the semi-final at Al Amerat, Oman, on Thursday. Skipper Lakshya Raichandani led the chase with an impressive 93 as India set up a much-anticipated title clash against arch-rivals Pakistan.
Chasing a target of 228, India made light work of the Afghanistan bowling attack, reaching 230 for two in just 36.5 overs. Raichandani anchored the innings with a fluent 90-ball knock, striking 13 boundaries and a six to narrowly miss out on a well-deserved century.
The Indian captain received excellent support from his opening partner Aaryavir Sehwag, who contributed 51 off 56 deliveries. The duo put together a crucial 117-run partnership in 17 overs, effectively taking the game away from Afghanistan.
Sehwag provided the early impetus with three sixes before reaching his half-century with another maximum, a straight drive off Noor Ali. However, he was dismissed in the following delivery while attempting a pull shot, with extra bounce resulting in a catch to Faridullah Ihsas at cover.
Raichandani continued to dominate alongside VK Vineeth, adding another 77 runs for the second wicket. Vineeth remained unbeaten on 57, ensuring there were no further complications in India’s comfortable run chase.
Raichandani, who had brought up his half-century in just 39 deliveries, appeared well on course for a century before falling for 93. Attempting to clear extra cover against off-spinner Sohail Khan, he mistimed the shot and was caught by Mohammad Ali, who pulled off an excellent diving catch.
However, India were already within touching distance of victory, with Vineeth completing the job alongside the remaining batter.
Ishan Sood Leads India’s Bowling Effort
Earlier, India’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance to restrict Afghanistan to 227 for eight in their allotted 50 overs.
Pacer Ishan Sood spearheaded the attack, claiming three wickets for 43 runs, while the Indian spinners maintained pressure through the middle overs to prevent Afghanistan from building substantial partnerships.
Wicketkeeper-batter Noman Salarzai and Shah Faisal Rahimi were the leading contributors for Afghanistan, scoring 51 runs apiece. However, neither could provide the acceleration required to push their team towards a more competitive total.
Pakistan Set Up Final After Crushing Bangladesh
In the other semi-final, Pakistan secured their place in Sunday’s final with a comprehensive nine-wicket victory over Bangladesh.
Medium pacer Rizwanullah was the standout performer, claiming five wickets for 30 runs as Bangladesh were bowled out for 138 in 31.4 overs.
Opener Abdullah Al Muhi offered some resistance with a 45-ball 50, but the remaining Bangladesh batting line-up struggled against Pakistan’s bowling attack.
Rizwanullah, who represents Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League, continued his impressive tournament, taking his wicket tally to 11 from four matches. He had also troubled India during their group-stage encounter, returning figures of three for 24.
Pakistan’s reply was equally emphatic. Openers Usman Khan (64 not out) and Hayam Khan (69) shared a match-winning 123-run partnership in 20.4 overs as Pakistan raced to 141 for one in just 21.5 overs.
The result sets up a blockbuster India-Pakistan final on Sunday, with Pakistan having already defeated India during the group stage. India will now have an opportunity to avenge that defeat and finish the tournament with the Asia Cup title.
