Can India Overcome Sri Lanka to Face Pakistan in the U19 Asia Cup Finals?
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Synopsis
India's U19 cricket team, led by remarkable performances from Vihaan Malhotra and Aaron George, secured a spot in the finals against Pakistan after defeating Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the semi-finals. The upcoming clash promises an exciting showdown, reminiscent of historic encounters between the two cricketing giants.
Key Takeaways
- Vihaan Malhotra scored 61 not out, showcasing his talent.
- Aaron George contributed significantly with 58 runs.
- India's bowling attack was crucial in limiting Sri Lanka to 138 runs.
- The final against Pakistan is set to be a historic encounter.
- This match highlights the future potential of these young cricketers.
Dubai, Dec 19 (NationPress) Unbeaten half-centuries from Vihaan Malhotra and Aaron George propelled India to a robust eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in a rain-affected U19 Men’s Asia Cup semi-final, setting the stage for a thrilling title showdown against Pakistan, scheduled for Sunday.
Due to rain, the first semi-final at the ICC Academy Ground was shortened to 20 overs per team. India's disciplined bowling unit once again shone, limiting Sri Lanka to 138 runs for 8 wickets, with both Kanishk Chouhan and Henil Patel taking two wickets each.
Sri Lanka found themselves struggling at 28 for 3 in the sixth over. However, skipper Vimath Dinsara (32) and Chamika Heenatigala (42) mounted a brief recovery with a 45-run partnership. Sethmika Seneviratne’s quick-fire 30 off 22 balls provided a late boost, enabling Sri Lanka to surpass the 135-run mark.
India's chase started on a rocky note, with skipper Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Suryavanshi falling cheaply to pacer Rasith Nimsara for seven and nine runs, respectively. However, Malhotra and George steadied the innings, combining for an unbroken 114-run partnership for the third wicket.
Malhotra, recently acquired by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the IPL 2026 auction, scored an impressive 61 not out off 45 balls, hitting six boundaries. Meanwhile, George showcased his technical skills with 58 not out off 49 deliveries, including five boundaries. The duo guided India to victory in just 18 overs, marking the team's eighth appearance in the title match of this competition.
This victory sets up a much-anticipated clash against Pakistan, who triumphed over Bangladesh by eight wickets in the other semi-final. It will be the first India-Pakistan final in the U19 Asia Cup since 2014, when the Indian U19 squad, featuring future senior team stars like Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, Sanju Samson, and Kuldeep Yadav, claimed the title.
Brief Scores: Sri Lanka U19 138/8 in 20 overs (Chamika Heenatigala 33, Sethmika Senevirathne 28; Henil Patel 2-31, Kanish Chouhan 2-36) lost to India U19 139/2 in 18 overs (Vihaan Malhotra 61, Aaron George 58; Rasith Nimsara 2-31) by eight wickets.
Point of View
I believe this match is pivotal for the young cricketers of India. Their remarkable performance against Sri Lanka not only showcases their talent but also sets up a highly anticipated final against Pakistan. The U19 Asia Cup is a platform that can potentially shape the future of these players in international cricket.
NationPress
20/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the key players in India's victory over Sri Lanka?
Vihaan Malhotra and Aaron George played crucial roles, both scoring unbeaten half-centuries to guide India to victory.
What was the impact of rain on the semi-final match?
The rain caused the match to be reduced to 20 overs per side, affecting both teams' strategies.
When is the final match of the U19 Asia Cup?
The final match will be held on Sunday, featuring India against Pakistan.
How many times has India reached the U19 Asia Cup finals?
This victory marks India's eighth appearance in the finals of the U19 Asia Cup.
Who were the standout bowlers for India in the semi-final?
Kanishk Chouhan and Henil Patel both took two wickets each, playing key roles in restricting Sri Lanka's score.
