U19 Asia Cup: India book final clash with Pakistan, thrash Sri Lanka by 8 wickets

India booked their place in the U19 Asia Cup final with a dominant eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the semi-final at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai on Friday, December 19.

The win set up a high-voltage title clash against arch-rivals Pakistan, to be played on Sunday, December 21. Pakistan earlier sealed their spot in the final by defeating defending champions Bangladesh by eight wickets at The Sevens Stadium.

Asked to bat first, Sri Lanka were restricted to 138 for eight, a total that never quite threatened India on a surface that rewarded discipline. Viran Chamuditha gave them early impetus with 19 off 11 balls, while skipper Vimath Dinsara held the innings together with 32. Chamika Heenatigala top-scored with a well-judged 42 off 38 deliveries, and Sethmika Seneviratne added late urgency with 30 off 22.

India’s bowlers delivered a collective effort. Henil Patel and Kanishk Chouhan claimed two wickets each, while Kishan Singh stood out for his control, conceding just 20 runs in his four overs.

Malhotra, George seal final berth
India’s chase faltered early as captain Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Suryavanshi fell within the opening four overs. Vihaan Malhotra and Aaron George then took charge, combining for an unbeaten 114-run stand that decisively swung the contest India’s way.

Malhotra, recently signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the IPL, struck a fluent unbeaten 61, reaching his half-century in just 35 balls. George complemented him perfectly, finishing on 58 not out and bringing up his fifty off 43 deliveries.

The pair showed composure and clarity in the chase as India overhauled the target in 18 overs, with 12 balls remaining. Both batters were named Player of the Match for their decisive contributions.

India will enter the final with added confidence, having already beaten Pakistan by 90 runs earlier in the tournament. The Indians are seven-time U19 Asia Cup champions, while Pakistan remain in search of their first title.

Brief Scores
Sri Lanka U-19: 138/8 in 20 overs
Chamika Heenatigala 42, Vimath Dinsara 32; Henil Patel 2/31, Kanishk Chouhan 2/36

India U-19: 139/2 in 18 overs
Vihaan Malhotra 61*, Aaron George 58*; Rasith Nimsara 2/31

Result: India U-19 beat Sri Lanka U-19 by 8 wickets