India Under-19 men’s team sealed their place in the final of the ACC U19 after defeating Afghanistan Under-19s in the second semi-final at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman on Thursday. Chasing 228, India completed the victory with 8 wickets, powered by a steady top-order effort led by captain Lakshya Rajesh Raichandani 93 (90) and a half-century from Aaryavir Sehwag.
Afghanistan, who elected to bat, were restricted to 227 for eight. The win sets up a high-profile final against Under-19s, who had earlier defeated Bangladesh in the first semi-final. The title clash is scheduled for Saturday, November 14.
Afghanistan elected to bat and were restricted to 227 for eight in their 50 overs. Noman Salarzai and Shah Faisal Rahimi both scored half-centuries to hold the innings together, but India kept chipping away with wickets. Ishan Sood led the bowling effort with key strikes in the middle and late overs, while the supporting cast ensured Afghanistan never built a match-winning total. The total of 227 looked competitive on paper, yet it never truly tested India’s batting depth once the chase began.
India’s reply was anchored by a strong top-order partnership. , son of former India opener Virender Sehwag, made a fluent 51 off 57 balls before falling. Captain then took control, scoring 93 off 90 balls with 13 fours and a six. His measured yet positive knock kept the required rate well under control throughout. VK Vineeth provided solid support with an unbeaten 38 as India moved past 190 with only two wickets down. Raichandani fell for 93, caught off Sohail Khan while attempting to clear the infield, but by then the result was never in doubt.
With the asking rate dipping below two runs an over for long periods, India completed the chase without further drama. The side finished on 230/2 in 36.5 overs, sealing an eight-wicket victory. The win was built on disciplined bowling earlier in the day and a composed batting display that never allowed Afghanistan back into the contest. ’s attack struggled to find consistent breakthroughs once the openers settled.
The result confirms an India versus Pakistan final in the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026. Pakistan had earlier defeated Bangladesh by nine wickets in the first semi-final. The two sides have already met once in the group stage of this tournament, when Pakistan edged India by three wickets in a low-scoring game.
Saturday’s final at the same venue in Oman will decide the champion of the continental age-group event. For India, the victory continues a strong run that included a 70-run win over the and a dominant opening victory over Nepal. They now have two days to prepare for the bigger challenge against Pakistan.
