Muscat, November 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Aaryavir Sehwag and skipper Lakshya Raichandani struck unbeaten half-centuries as India thrashed Nepal by 10 wickets in their opening match of the Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground on Friday.
Chasing a modest target of 129, the Indian duo completed the victory in just 19.1 overs without losing a wicket. Earlier, fast bowler Ishan Sood claimed three wickets with the new ball as Nepal were bowled out for 128 in 42.3 overs.
After opting to bowl, India made an early impact through Sood, who moved the ball both ways and troubled Nepal’s batters. He finished with figures of 3-18 in 10 overs, including four maidens.
Darsh Sonar top-scored for Nepal with 43 off 93 balls, steadying the innings through partnerships of 24 and 43 runs with Niraj Yadav and Aashish Luhar, respectively. Luhar contributed 29 runs. However, Nepal’s lower order collapsed after Sonar’s partnership with Luhar was broken.
Left-arm spinner Arjun Rajput also claimed three wickets, while Yashveer Goud picked up two as Nepal were dismissed for 128.
In reply, Aaryavir and Raichandani began cautiously before accelerating and finding boundaries regularly. Aaryavir, son of former India opener Virender Sehwag, took the attack to Nepal’s spinners, frequently stepping out of his crease to loft the ball down the ground.
He reached his half-century off just 34 balls and remained unbeaten on 70. Raichandani rotated the strike effectively before completing his own fifty off 59 balls, finishing unbeaten on 53.
India sealed the comprehensive win with 185 balls remaining, earning two points and moving to the top of Group A with a net run rate of 4.170.
India will next face arch-rivals Pakistan in their second Group A match on Sunday.
Brief Scores: Nepal 128 in 42.3 overs (Darsh Sonar 43, Aashish Luhar 29; Arjun Rajput 3-8, Ishan Sood 3-18) lost to India 129/0 in 19.1 overs (Aaryavir Sehwag 70 not out, Lakshya Raichandani 53 not out) by 10 wickets.
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