India Dominates Afghanistan to Reach U19 Asia Cup Final, Set to Face Pakistan
India secured a spot in the U19 Asia Cup final with an impressive win over Afghanistan, setting up a clash with Pakistan.
Al Amerat, November 12 (Daily Kiran) : India’s under-19 cricket team showcased a stellar performance on November 12, 2026, defeating Afghanistan by eight wickets in the semifinals of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup. The match took place at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground, where India easily chased down Afghanistan’s target of 228 runs, achieving the goal in just 36.5 overs with the loss of two wickets.
The Indian innings began strongly, with captain Lakshya Raichandani and Aryaveer Sehwag forging a formidable partnership. They scored 117 runs for the first wicket in just 16.6 overs. Aryaveer displayed impressive form, contributing 51 runs off 57 balls, which included four boundaries and four sixes before being dismissed.
Following Aryaveer’s exit, V.K. Vineet joined Lakshya, and the duo added 77 runs for the second wicket over 89 balls. Lakshya fell short of a century, scoring 93 runs off 90 balls, featuring 13 fours and one six. Vineet remained unbeaten on 57 runs, hitting five fours and one six off 62 balls, while Yashvardhan Chauhan added a quick 16 runs to the total.
Earlier, Afghanistan struggled to build a solid innings, managing only 227 runs after losing eight wickets in their allotted 50 overs. The team’s start was rocky, with Faridullah Ehsas and Abidullah Nadarjan dismissed for just 13 and 14 runs, respectively. Subhan Zakhail also failed to capitalize on a good start, scoring only 31 runs. However, Noman Salarzai and Shah Faizal Rahimi steadied the innings with half-centuries.
Noman scored 51 runs off 78 balls, while Shah Faizal matched that score off 72 deliveries before falling to Ishan Sood. In the closing overs, captain Soheil Khan contributed a vital unbeaten 36 runs, helping Afghanistan surpass the 200-run mark. For India, Ishan Sood took three wickets for 43 runs in nine overs, while Aryan Sawasani claimed two wickets for 29 runs.
The final match will see India face Pakistan on Saturday, November 14, promising an exciting showdown.
