India's Under-19 cricket team delivered a commanding performance on Friday, securing a spot in the final of the Asia Cup with a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka. The semi-final clash, shortened by rain, saw India's bowlers set up the win before their batters completed the chase with ease.
Bowlers Set the Stage in Rain-Affected Contest
After rain forced the match to be reduced to 20 overs per side, India's bowling unit continued its impressive form in the tournament. They struck early and often, reducing the Sri Lankan side to a precarious 28 for 3 within the first six overs. This early pressure proved crucial in restricting the total.
Sri Lanka's innings found some stability through a 45-run partnership between their captain, Vimath Dinsara (32), and Chamika Heenatigala (42). A late cameo from Sethmika Seneviratne, who smashed 30 runs off just 22 balls, helped push Sri Lanka to a final score of 138 for 8 from their allotted overs. For India, the wicket-taking duties were shared, with Kanishk Chauhan and Henil Patel picking up two wickets each.
Malhotra and George Steer Comfortable Chase
India's chase did not begin smoothly, losing both openers early. Ayush Mhatre (7) and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (9) fell to the pace of Sri Lankan bowler Rasith Nimsara, leaving India at 24 for 2. However, any hopes of a Sri Lankan fightback were quickly extinguished by a magnificent unbroken partnership.
Vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra took charge of the innings, playing a match-winning knock of 61 not out from 45 deliveries. His innings was laced with aggression, including two sixes and several boundaries. He found perfect support in Aaron George, who remained unbeaten on a steady 58 off 49 balls. Together, they forged a decisive 114-run partnership for the third wicket, guiding India to the target of 139 in just 18 overs without further loss.
Historic Final Showdown Awaits
This victory books India's eighth appearance in the final of the U19 Asia Cup. In the other semi-final, Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by eight wickets, setting up a highly anticipated final clash between the arch-rivals.
This will be the first time in 11 years that India and Pakistan meet in the U19 Asia Cup final. The last such encounter was in 2014, a match famously won by an Indian team that featured future stars like Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, Sanju Samson, and Kuldeep Yadav. The stage is now set for another thrilling chapter in this storied rivalry.
