Lakshya Raichandani's commanding 93 off 90 balls steered India to a dominant eight-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the second semi-final of the Under-19 Asia Cup at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground, Muscat, on Thursday, 12 November 2026. India chased down a target of 228 with 79 balls to spare, booking a final showdown against arch-rivals Pakistan on Saturday.

India's Dominant Chase

Opening the batting, Raichandani set the tone immediately, targeting the off-side with particular ferocity — his cover drive proving especially destructive. He forged a 117-run opening stand with Aaryavir Sehwag, who contributed a measured 51 off 57 balls before departing shortly after his half-century.

VK Vineeth then stepped in and kept the scoring ticking with smart rotation and clinical stroke-play, bringing up his own half-century and sealing the win in style with a six off Noor Ali Niazi, finishing unbeaten on 57 off 62 balls. Raichandani fell for 93, agonisingly seven short of a well-deserved hundred — the only blemish on an otherwise near-perfect Indian performance. India completed the chase at 230 for 2 in 36.5 overs.

Afghanistan's Collapse After Promising Start

Afghanistan had won the toss and chosen to bat first, and at 143 for 3 in the 36th over, they appeared well-placed to post a challenging total. However, the innings unravelled rapidly as three wickets fell in quick succession. Aryan Savsani was the chief wrecker, dismissing both Amir Hamza and Tahir Sarwary in a single over.

Noman Salarzai and Shah Faisal Rahimi both contributed 51 runs each, but neither could accelerate against a disciplined Indian bowling attack. Afghanistan captain Sohail Khan's unbeaten 36 off 44 balls provided late resistance, but the side were ultimately restricted to 227 for 8 in 50 overs — a total that proved well below par on a pitch offering little assistance to bowlers.

India's Bowling Effort

Ishan Sood was the standout performer with the ball, returning impressive figures of 3 for 43. Savsani chipped in with 2 for 29, while Manal Chauhan, Yashbardhan Chauhan, and Savsani collectively stifled Afghanistan through the middle overs. The Indian fielding was largely sharp throughout, allowing little in the way of easy runs.

India vs Pakistan: A Rivalry Final With History at Stake

Saturday's final carries significant weight beyond the trophy. India and Pakistan met in the final of the previous edition of the Under-19 Asia Cup, where Pakistan claimed the title. This edition offers India a direct opportunity for revenge.

The rivalry has already produced a noteworthy chapter in this tournament: Pakistan defeated India by three wickets in the group stage, with Hamza Zahoor's unbeaten century proving decisive. Pakistan reached the final with a clinical nine-wicket dismissal of Bangladesh in the first semi-final, led by Rizwanullah's five-wicket haul of 5 for 30. With both sides in commanding form, Saturday's clash at Muscat promises to be a fiercely contested battle for Under-19 supremacy in Asia.

Brief Scores: Afghanistan 227/8 in 50 overs (Noman Salarzai 51, Shah Faisal Rahimi 51; Ishan Sood 3-43, Aryan Savsani 2-29) lost to India 230/2 in 36.5 overs (Lakshya Raichandani 93, VK Vineeth 57 not out; Sohail Khan 1-56, Noor Ali Niazi 1-58) by eight wickets.