India Under-19 booked their place in the final of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026 after registering a comprehensive eight-wicket victory against Afghanistan Under-19 at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman on Thursday2. A superb batting display, led by captain Lakshya Raichandani, combined with an impressive bowling performance to help India secure their spot in the title decider against arch-rivals Pakistan.

Raichandani narrowly missed out on a century, producing an excellent 93 off 90 deliveries, while Ishan Sood played a crucial role with the ball, claiming three wickets for 43 runs. India comfortably chased down Afghanistan’s 228-run target, reaching 230/2 in just 36.5 overs with 13.1 overs remaining.

Afghanistan post 227/8 after India’s bowlers keep them in check

Afghanistan Under-19 opted to bat first after winning the toss but struggled to build a substantial opening partnership against India’s disciplined bowling attack. Openers Abidullah Nadarjan and Faridullah Ihsas managed 14 and 13 runs respectively before departing, leaving their side at 51/2 within the first 13 overs.

Shah Faisal Rahimi and wicketkeeper Noman Salarzai subsequently took responsibility for rebuilding the innings. The pair contributed valuable half-centuries, with Rahimi scoring 51 off 72 deliveries and Salarzai adding 50 to guide Afghanistan towards a respectable total.

However, India continued to pick up important wickets at regular intervals. Aryan Savsani dealt a significant blow to Afghanistan’s middle order in the 37th over, dismissing Amir Hamza and Tahir Sarwary to leave the opposition struggling at 146/6.

Captain Sohail Khan offered some resistance towards the end, remaining unbeaten on 36. Nevertheless, Ishan delivered an effective spell in the closing stages, removing Rahimi with a well-directed yorker before bowling Mohammad Ali. Afghanistan eventually managed 227/8 in their allotted 50 overs, giving India a manageable target to chase.

Lakshya Raichandani leads India’s successful run chase

India made their intentions clear from the opening overs, with Raichandani and Aaryavir Sehwag putting Afghanistan’s bowlers under considerable pressure. The opening pair stitched together an impressive 117-run partnership in less than 17 overs, providing India with an excellent platform. Sehwag was particularly aggressive, striking four boundaries and four sixes during his entertaining knock of 51 from 57 deliveries. His innings eventually ended when Noor Ali Niazi dismissed him.

Raichandani, meanwhile, continued his impressive innings and maintained control of the chase. He struck 13 fours and a six while bringing India closer to the target. The Indian skipper found another reliable partner in VK Vineeth, who contributed 37 off 46 balls. Their 77-run partnership for the second wicket further strengthened India’s position and left Afghanistan with very little room for a comeback.

Raichandani eventually departed for 93 in the 32nd over, missing out on a well-deserved century by just seven runs. However, his dismissal did little to change the outcome as Vineeth and Yashbardhan Chauhan completed the remaining job without any trouble.

Vineeth finished the contest emphatically by hitting a six in the 37th over, taking India to 230/2 in 36.5 overs and sealing an eight-wicket triumph.

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India to face Pakistan in U19 Asia Cup 2026 final

With this convincing semifinal victory, India Under-19 have advanced to the final of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026, where they will take on Pakistan in the tournament’s much-anticipated title clash. India will head into the final with considerable confidence following their commanding performance against Afghanistan. Their batting unit demonstrated its ability to chase down targets comfortably, while the bowling attack delivered when it mattered most.

The upcoming encounter against Pakistan now presents India with an opportunity to finish their campaign on a high by lifting the U19 Asia Cup trophy.

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