India U-19 reach Asia Cup final after rain-hit win over Sri Lanka
India U-19 reach Asia Cup final after rain-hit win over Sri Lanka
Vihaan Malhotra and Aaron George power India U-19 to an eight-wicket win in a rain-curtailed semi, setting up a final with Pakistan in Dubai.
Dubai hosted a rain-curtailed U-19 Asia Cup semi-final where Sri Lanka posted 138/8 in 20 overs. India U-19 chased the target in 18 overs, cruising to an eight-wicket victory.
India’s chase was anchored by a dazzling 114-run partnership for the third wicket between Vihaan Malhotra and Aaron George. Malhotra smashed 61 not out off 45 balls, flicking and pulling with authority, while George added 58 not out off 49 balls, is technically sound and composed under pressure. The pair stitched together the pivotal stand that carried India past the target and into the final.
Earlier, Sri Lanka had fought back until the 13th over, but the Indian duo took control after a cautious start and ensured the chase was paced to perfection. Sri Lanka’s bowlers, including Rasith Nimsara who dismissed early wickets for India, did keep the bowling tight at times, but could not stem the momentum once Malhotra and George settled in. A brief middle-overs struggle by India’s openers gave way to the late acceleration that sealed the result.
In the other semi-final, Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by eight wickets, sealing a continental final encounter between the bitter rivals after an 11-year wait. The last India U-19 appearance in the Asia Cup final came in 2014, a-line-up that featured future stars like Shreyas Iyer and Sanju Samson. With this win, India sets up a high-stakes title clash against Pakistan in the Dubai venue, promising a thrilling chapter in the age-group rivalry.
