India Under-19 secured their place in the final against arch-rivals Pakistan Under-19 after registering a convincing eight-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the semi-final on Saturday at the Al Amerat ground in Muscat.
India comfortably chased down Afghanistan's target of 228, reaching 231 for two in just 36.5 overs. Captain Lakshya Raichandani led the charge with an outstanding 93, while Aaryavir Sehwag and VK Vineeth provided valuable support.
Raichandani and Sehwag laid the foundation for India's successful chase with an impressive 117-run opening partnership. Sehwag scored 51 off 57 deliveries, while Raichandani dominated the Afghanistan bowling attack with 13 boundaries and a six.
Following Sehwag's dismissal, Raichandani joined forces with VK Vineeth to add another 77 runs for the second wicket, putting India firmly in control of the contest.
Vineeth remained unbeaten on 55, hitting five fours and a six, while Yashbardhan Chauhan contributed an unbeaten 16 off 14 balls to complete the comfortable victory. Raichandani narrowly missed out on a century, falling for 93, but his commanding innings had already put India on the verge of victory.
Ishan Sood leads India's bowling attack
Earlier, Afghanistan Under-19 managed to post 227 runs after India's bowlers maintained consistent pressure throughout the innings.
India made regular breakthroughs during the first 20 overs, preventing Afghanistan from building substantial partnerships. Noman Sarafzai and Faisal Rahimi attempted to stabilise the innings with half-centuries, both scoring 51 runs.
Afghanistan captain Sohail Khan also made a useful contribution, scoring 36 off 44 deliveries, but the team struggled to accelerate during the closing stages.
Ishan Sood was India's standout bowler, claiming three wickets, while Aryan Savsani picked up two. Kavya Patel, Yashbardhan Chauhan and Arjun Rajput also chipped in with one wicket each.
India's disciplined bowling at the death restricted Afghanistan to 227, setting up a manageable target for the batters.
India and Pakistan to battle for the title
India's victory sets up an exciting final against Pakistan Under-19, who booked their place in the championship match with an identical eight-wicket win over Bangladesh earlier in the day at the adjacent Al Amerat ground.
With both teams entering the final after dominant semi-final performances, fans can expect an exciting contest between the traditional rivals as they battle for the Under-19 title.
India will look to carry forward their strong batting and bowling performances into the final, while Pakistan will pose a formidable challenge in what promises to be a high-profile encounter.
