A clinical all-round performance propelled India's Under-19 cricket team into the final of the ACC Men's U19 Asia Cup 2025, where they will face arch-rivals Pakistan. The young Indian side secured a commanding 8-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the first semifinal at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai on Friday, December 19, 2025.
George & Malhotra Steer Chase With Mature Partnership
Chasing a revised target of 139 in 20 overs after rain delays, India faced early pressure. Captain Ayush Mhatre (7) and the in-form Vaibhav Suryavanshi (9) fell cheaply, leaving the score at a precarious 25 for 2 within four overs. However, the pair of Vihaan Malhotra and Aaron George displayed remarkable composure to stage a magnificent recovery.
Malhotra, starting cautiously, broke the shackles with a massive six. At the other end, George, inspired by his idol AB de Villiers, showcased intelligent batting with sharp running and well-timed boundaries. Together, they constructed an unbroken 114-run stand for the third wicket in just 87 balls, effectively neutralizing the Sri Lankan attack.
The duo handled Sri Lanka's key bowler, medium-pacer Sethmika Seneviratne, with particular assurance. George finished the match in style, hitting a boundary in the 18th over to seal the win. Malhotra remained unbeaten on 61, while George scored a fluent 58 not out.
Bowlers Set Up Victory With Disciplined Show
Earlier, India's bowlers laid the foundation for the win by restricting Sri Lanka to 138 for 8 in their 20 overs. The new-ball pair of Kishan Kumar and Deepesh Devendran struck early, reducing Sri Lanka to 26 for 2 in the four-over powerplay.
The pressure intensified when a sharp run-out by Vedant Trivedi dismissed Kavija Gamage, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 28 for 3. A 55-run partnership between captain Vimath Dinsara (32) and Chandrika Heenatigala (42) offered some resistance. However, off-spinner Kanishk Chouhan, recently bought by Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL auction, delivered a crucial double-wicket over to break the stand.
Henil Patel (2/31) and Chouhan (2/36) were the pick of the bowlers. Sri Lanka found themselves in deep trouble at 84 for 6 before Heenatigala and Seneviratne (52-run partnership) helped them post a modest but defendable total.
Historic Final Against Pakistan Awaits
This comprehensive victory sets the stage for a mouth-watering final against Pakistan on Sunday. This will mark the first time since 2014 that the two neighbouring nations contest the final of an Under-19 Asia Cup. The match highlighted the depth and resilience of the Indian squad, with players stepping up when the more celebrated names had an off day.
The win, achieved after a five-hour rain delay, underscores the team's maturity and focus as they now prepare for the ultimate challenge against their traditional rivals.
Brief Scores: Sri Lanka U19 138/8 in 20 overs (Heenatigala 42, Dinsara 32; Patel 2/31, Chouhan 2/36) lost to India U19 139/2 in 18 overs (Malhotra 61*, George 58*).
