India are one win away from lifting the U19 Asia Cup. Captain Lakshya Raichandani led from the front with a fluent 93 as India thrashed Afghanistan by eight wickets in the second semi-final at Al Amerat on Thursday, setting up a blockbuster title clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on Saturday, November 14.
The chase was never really in doubt. After the bowlers restricted Afghanistan to 227 for 8, India cruised home at 230 for 2 in just 36.5 overs, with 79 balls to spare. It was the kind of composed, professional performance that has defined this young side through the tournament, and it sets up a final that Indian fans will not want to miss.
Raichandani leads the chase
Raichandani batted like a captain who knew exactly what the occasion demanded. His 93 came off 90 balls and included 13 fours and a six, and he reached his fifty in just 39 deliveries. He was barely troubled by an Afghanistan attack that had enjoyed a fine run in the tournament, mixing powerful pull shots with elegant drives down the ground.
The skipper shared a 117-run opening partnership with Aaryavir Sehwag, who made 51, and the pair put India firmly in control inside the first 17 overs. Sehwag, who had lit up the tournament earlier with a big hundred, played the supporting role to perfection this time, rotating the strike and punishing anything loose.
After Sehwag fell, Raichandani added 77 for the second wicket with VK Vineeth, who finished unbeaten on 57 off 61 balls. Vineeth sealed the win in style, smashing a four and a six off successive deliveries from Noor Ali to finish the job.
Raichandani himself fell seven short of a century, caught by Mohammad Ali off off-spinner Sohail Khan while trying to clear extra cover. By then, though, India needed only a handful of runs, and the result was never in doubt.
Bowlers set it up
The platform for the win was laid in the first innings. Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat, but Ishan Sood spearheaded the Indian pace attack to keep them to a modest 227 for 8 in their 50 overs.
Noman Salarzai and Shah Faisal Rahimi both made 51 for Afghanistan, but neither could push on to a match-defining score, and India kept chipping away at regular intervals. On a surface where 270-plus would have made the chase interesting, 228 was always well within reach for a batting line-up in this kind of form.
Pakistan await in the final
The final, on Saturday, November 14 at Al Amerat in Oman, will be a repeat of the group-stage meeting between the two sides, and India will have a score to settle. Pakistan beat India by three wickets in the group stage on November 8, despite a superb 107 from Arjun Rajput, with Hamza Zahoor answering with an unbeaten century of his own.
Pakistan booked their place in the final earlier on Thursday with a commanding nine-wicket win over Bangladesh. Rizwanullah tore through the Bangladesh batting with 5 for 30 as they were bowled out for 138 in 31.4 overs, and openers Hayam Khan (69) and Usman Khan (64 not out) then knocked off the runs in just 21.5 overs.
Pakistan are the defending champions, and this will be the fourth India-Pakistan final in U19 Asia Cup history. For India, it is an 11th appearance in the summit clash of the tournament, and a chance to turn the tables on the one side that has beaten them in this edition.
What to watch on Saturday
- The rematch factor: India lost the group game by three wickets. The final is a fresh start, but the players will remember that defeat.
- Raichandani’s form: The captain is timing the ball beautifully and has now produced the innings of the tournament so far for India.
- Sehwag at the top: Aaryavir Sehwag has already scored a big hundred in this tournament. If he fires again, Pakistan will have a problem.
- Pakistan’s pace: Rizwanullah’s five-wicket haul against Bangladesh showed Pakistan’s bowling has teeth. India’s top order will need to be watchful early.
Saturday promises a proper occasion: the two biggest rivals in Asian cricket, a continental title on the line, and a young Indian side playing with confidence. After Thursday’s eight-wicket statement, India will walk into the final believing the trophy is theirs to win.
FAQs
When is the U19 Asia Cup final?
India face Pakistan in the final on Saturday, November 14, at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman.
How did India reach the final?
India beat Afghanistan by eight wickets in the second semi-final on November 12, chasing 228 with 79 balls to spare. Captain Lakshya Raichandani top-scored with 93.
Who did Pakistan beat in their semi-final?
Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by nine wickets. Rizwanullah took 5 for 30 as Bangladesh were bowled out for 138.
Have India and Pakistan met before in this tournament?
Yes. Pakistan beat India by three wickets in the group stage on November 8, despite Arjun Rajput’s 107 for India.
How many times has India reached the U19 Asia Cup final?
This is India’s 11th appearance in the U19 Asia Cup final, and the fourth final between India and Pakistan in the tournament’s history.
India will take plenty of confidence into Saturday’s final. The chase against Afghanistan was calm, clinical and finished with overs to spare, and that is exactly the kind of cricket that wins tournaments.
