Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Dec 19: Clinical unbeaten half-centuries from Vihaan Malhotra and Aaron George guided India to a comfortable eight-wicket win over Sri Lanka in a rain-curtailed semi-final of the U19 Men’s Asia Cup, setting up a much-anticipated title showdown against Pakistan on Sunday.
The first semi-final at the ICC Academy Ground was reduced to 20 overs per side due to rain, but India’s bowlers adapted swiftly to the conditions. A disciplined effort saw Sri Lanka restricted to 138 for 8, with Kanishk Chouhan and Henil Patel leading the attack by picking up two wickets apiece.
Sri Lanka struggled early, slipping to 28 for 3 inside six overs. Captain Vimath Dinsara (32) and Chamika Heenatigala (42) attempted to steady the innings with a 45-run partnership, while Sethmika Seneviratne’s brisk 30 off 22 balls added late momentum, helping the side cross 135.
India’s reply began on an uncertain note as skipper Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Suryavanshi were dismissed cheaply by Rasith Nimsara. However, Malhotra and George then took firm control of the chase, stitching together an unbeaten 114-run partnership for the third wicket to extinguish any hopes of a Sri Lankan comeback.
Malhotra, recently snapped up by Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the IPL 2026 auction, played a fluent knock of 61 not out from 45 balls, finding the boundary six times. George complemented him with a composed 58 not out off 49 deliveries, striking five boundaries in a display of sound technique and temperament.
The duo guided India to the target in 18 overs, sealing the team’s eighth appearance in an U19 Asia Cup final.
India will now face arch-rivals Pakistan, who defeated Bangladesh by eight wickets in the second semi-final. The upcoming clash marks the first India–Pakistan final in the U19 Asia Cup since 2014, when a future-studded Indian side went on to lift the trophy.
Brief Scores:
Sri Lanka U19 138/8 in 20 overs (Chamika Heenatigala 33, Sethmika Seneviratne 28; Henil Patel 2/31, Kanishk Chouhan 2/36)
India U19 139/2 in 18 overs (Vihaan Malhotra 61*, Aaron George 58*; Rasith Nimsara 2/31)
India won by eight wickets