India U19 Triumphs Over Sri Lanka to Reach Asia Cup Final Against Pakistan

India U19 Advances to Final After Dominating Semi-Final

In a thrilling encounter held in Dubai on December 19, India U19 achieved a remarkable eight-wicket victory against Sri Lanka U19 in the first semi-final of the U19 Asia Cup, securing their place in the final against their long-time rivals, Pakistan.

Aaron George and Vihaan Malhotra formed a solid partnership, remaining unbeaten with a 114-run stand that propelled India to a convincing win over Sri Lanka at the ICC Academy.

India's bowlers delivered an impressive performance, restricting Sri Lanka to 138 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in a rain-affected 20-over match, which set the stage for a manageable chase.

Sri Lanka managed to recover to 138/8, thanks to a spirited 52-run partnership for the seventh wicket between Chamika Heenatigala and Sethmika Seneviratne, who scored quickly off 40 balls. However, their efforts fell short against a determined Indian side.

India's innings began with some early setbacks as captain Ayush Mhatre and young talent Vaibhav Suryavanshi (14) were dismissed cheaply. Nevertheless, Malhotra and George steadied the ship, both contributing half-centuries to ensure victory.

Malhotra finished with an impressive score of 61*, while Kanishk Chouhan also shone with the ball, taking two wickets in a single over. Both players were recently acquired by RCB in the IPL 2026 auction.

In the second semi-final, Pakistan secured their spot in the final by defeating Bangladesh by eight wickets. Pakistan bowled out Bangladesh for just 121 runs in 26 overs, with Abdul Subhan leading the wicket-taking efforts. Pakistan chased down the target in a swift 16.3 overs, with opener Sameer Minhas scoring a brilliant fifty.

India is set to face Pakistan in the final on Sunday at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai.