U19 Asia Cup: India storm into final to face Pakistan after 8-wicket win over Sri Lanka

India stormed into the final of the U19 Asia Cup with a commanding eight-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the semi-final at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai on Friday, December 19.

The emphatic victory set up a blockbuster title clash against arch-rivals Pakistan, scheduled for Sunday, December 21. Earlier in the day, Pakistan booked their spot in the final by thumping defending champions Bangladesh by eight wickets at The Sevens Stadium.

Batting first, Sri Lanka posted 138 for eight, a total that proved below par on a surface offering value for disciplined bowling. Viran Chamuditha provided early momentum with a brisk 19 off 11 balls, while captain Vimath Dinsara anchored the innings with a composed 32. Chamika Heenatigala was the standout contributor, top-scoring with 42 off 38 deliveries, and Sethmika Seneviratne’s late cameo of 30 off 22 ensured Sri Lanka had a total to defend.

India’s bowlers operated with control and consistency. Henil Patel and Kanishk Chouhan picked up two wickets each, while Kishan Singh was particularly economical, conceding just 20 runs in his four overs to keep the pressure firmly on Sri Lanka.

George, Malhotra steer India into final

India’s chase began on a shaky note as captain Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Suryavanshi were dismissed inside the first four overs. However, Vihaan Malhotra and Aaron George responded with a calm and authoritative batting display, stitching together an unbroken 114-run partnership that took the game away from Sri Lanka.

Malhotra, who recently secured an IPL deal with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, showcased his class with a fluent unbeaten 61, bringing up his half-century off just 35 balls. George played the perfect foil before accelerating to an unbeaten 58, reaching his fifty in 43 deliveries.

The pair paced the chase with remarkable maturity as India reached the target in 18 overs, finishing with 12 balls to spare. Their match-winning partnership earned both Malhotra and George the Player of the Match honours.

India head into the final with a psychological edge, having already beaten Pakistan by 90 runs earlier in the tournament. While India are seven-time U19 Asia Cup champions, Pakistan are still chasing their maiden 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