Muscat, November 12, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Captain Lakshya Raichandani led from the front with a commanding 93 off 90 balls as India defeated Afghanistan by eight wickets in the Under-19 Asia Cup semi-final on Thursday to book a place in the title clash against Pakistan.
Chasing 228 at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground, India reached 230/2 in just 36.5 overs, with 79 balls to spare. Raichandani was supported by Aaryavir Sehwag, who scored 51 off 57 balls, and VK Vineeth, who remained unbeaten on 57 off 62 deliveries.
Afghanistan, batting first after winning the toss, were well placed at 143/3 in the 36th over. However, they lost three wickets in quick succession, with Aryan Savsani striking twice in one over to dismiss Amir Hamza and Tahir Sarwary.
Noman Salarzai and Shah Faisal Rahimi scored 51 each, while captain Sohail Khan remained unbeaten on 36 off 44 balls to take Afghanistan to 227/8 in 50 overs. Ishan Sood was India’s leading wicket-taker with three scalps, while Savsani claimed two.
India’s chase was built around an opening partnership of 117 runs between Raichandani and Sehwag. After Sehwag departed shortly after completing his half-century, Vineeth joined the captain and ensured there were no further setbacks.
Raichandani, who dominated the off-side with several attractive cover drives, fell seven runs short of a century. Vineeth completed his fifty and sealed the victory with a six off Noor Ali Niazi.
India will now face arch-rivals Pakistan in Saturday’s final, giving them an opportunity to avenge their defeat in last year’s title match. Pakistan had also beaten India by three wickets in the group stage of this edition, with Hamza Zahoor scoring an unbeaten century.
Pakistan booked their place in the final with a nine-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the first semi-final, powered by Rizwanullah’s five-wicket haul of 5-30.
Brief Scores:
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Afghanistan: 227/8 in 50 overs (Noman Salarzai 51, Shah Faisal Rahimi 51; Ishan Sood 3-43, Aryan Savsani 2-29).
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India: 230/2 in 36.5 overs (Lakshya Raichandani 93, VK Vineeth 57 not out; Sohail Khan 1-56, Noor Ali Niazi 1-58).
Result: India won by eight wickets.
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