India stormed into the U-19 Asia Cup final with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in a rain-curtailed semi-final at Dubai on Friday.
The result sets up a mouth-watering summit clash against arch-rivals Pakistan, rekindling one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries after more than a decade.
Opting to field first, India’s disciplined bowling attack reduced Sri Lanka to 28 for 3 inside the powerplay. Skipper Vimath Dinsara (32) and Chamika Heenatigala (42) briefly steadied the innings, while Sethmika Seneviratne’s 22-ball 30 lifted the total to 138 for 8. Spinners Kanishk Chauhan and Henil Patel claimed two wickets apiece, ensuring Sri Lanka never fully recovered.
Chasing 139 in 20 overs, India suffered early jitters as Ayush Mhatre (7) and Vaibhav Suryavanshi (9) fell cheaply to pacer Rasith Nimsara. But vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra and Aaron George stitched together an unbroken 114-run stand for the third wicket, showcasing maturity beyond their years.
Malhotra, fresh from being picked by Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL mini auction, dazzled with 61 not out off 45 balls, peppered with audacious flicks and pulls. George, India’s crisis man throughout the tournament, anchored the chase with a composed 58 not out off 49 deliveries. Their partnership sealed victory in 18 overs, underlining India’s batting depth and resilience.
This marks India’s eighth appearance in the U-19 Asia Cup final and their first showdown with Pakistan in the title clash since 2014, when a team featuring Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, Sanju Samson, and Kuldeep Yadav lifted the trophy. Pakistan, meanwhile, booked their spot by defeating Bangladesh by eight wickets in the other semi-final.
The stage is now set for a high-voltage finale, with both sides eager to etch their names in continental history. For India, the Malhotra-George partnership may well be remembered as the spark that reignited their pursuit of glory.
