U19 Asia Cup: Vaibhav Suryavanshi's explosive 67 propels India to the finals
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Sharjah, Dec 6 (NationPress) The thirteen-year-old cricketing sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi has continued to capture attention in the U19 Asia Cup, demonstrating his remarkable skills in the second semi-final where India triumphed over Sri Lanka by seven wickets, with 170 balls to spare to secure their spot in the final.
The left-handed batsman delivered a phenomenal performance, scoring 67 runs off just 36 balls. Suryavanshi made history as the youngest player ever signed in the Indian Premier League (IPL), being acquired by Rajasthan Royals for Rs 1.1 crore.
India's bowlers set the pace in the semi-final by limiting Sri Lanka to a modest 173 runs in 47 overs. Chetan Sharma was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets, while Kiran Chormale and Ayush Mhatre contributed with two wickets each.
In pursuit of 174, Suryavanshi wasted no time in dismantling the Sri Lankan bowling lineup. The young opener reached his half-century in a mere 24 balls, hitting six boundaries and five impressive sixes. His audacious style was on full display as India racked up 31 runs in the second over, laying the groundwork for a commanding chase.
Support from Ayush Mhatre (34 runs), Mohammed Amaan (26 not out), and KP Karthikeya (11 not out) secured India's position in the final within only 23.2 overs.
Suryavanshi's journey in the Asia Cup began modestly, with scores of 1 and 23 against Pakistan and Japan during the group stages. However, he made a remarkable comeback, scoring an unbeaten 76 runs in the last group-stage match against the UAE, a performance that paved the way for his match-winning innings against Sri Lanka.
India is now set to face the defending champions, Bangladesh, in hopes of claiming their ninth title.
Brief scores: Sri Lanka U19 173/10 in 46.2 overs (Lakvin Abeysinghe 69, Sharujan Shanmuganathan 42; Chetan Sharma 3-34, Kiran Chormale 2-32) lost to India U19 (Vaibhav Suryavanshi 67, Ayush Mhatre 34; Praveen Maneesha 1-27, Vihas Thewmika 1-33) by seven wickets.
