India to Face Pakistan in U19 Asia Cup Final After Beating Afghanistan

Lakshya Raichandani leads India's successful run chase

India captain Lakshya Raichandani scored 93 runs before he was dismissed during the run chase. He opened the batting alongside Aaryavir Sehwag to lead the team to victory.

This performance by the captain powered India to an eight-wicket win.

India reaches 200-run mark with key contributions

VK Vineeth scored a half-century to help seal the victory for India, finishing his innings with a four and a six. India reached the 200-run mark during the successful pursuit of the target. The team had reached a score of 194/2 in 31.5 overs during the match against Afghanistan.

Aaryavir Sehwag contributed 50 runs, including three sixes, before losing his wicket on the delivery immediately following his milestone. Sehwag also scored a boundary off a delivery from Salam Kheil.

Yashbardhan Chauhan also contributed to the run chase. Late in the innings, he hit back-to-back fours.

Afghanistan innings restricted by Ishan Sood

Afghanistan finished their innings with a total of 227/8, setting a target of 228 runs for India to chase. Ishan Sood was the top bowler for India, recording figures of 3/43.

Afghanistan was at 146/6 before a partnership between Shah Faisal Rahimi and captain Sohail Khan helped the team recover. Noman Salarzai and Shah Faisal Rahimi both scored half-centuries. Shah Faisal Rahimi scored his 50 runs off 69 balls.

Afghanistan captain Sohail Khan contributed an unbeaten 36 runs to the team's total. Ishan Sood dismissed Shah Faisal Rahimi with an in-swinging yorker, bringing his total wicket count for the tournament to 10.

Mohammad Ali hit a six off Ishan Sood before being dismissed by a full toss. Afghanistan scored 13 runs during the final over of their innings.

Final showdown scheduled against Pakistan

Pakistan advanced to the final after defeating Bangladesh by nine wickets. Pakistan U19 reached the final after competing against Bangladesh U19 in the first semi-final of the tournament.

Lakshya Raichandani and Sood were credited with setting up the final match between India and Pakistan. The U19 Asia Cup 2026 final between India and Pakistan is scheduled to take place on November 14, 2026, in Al Amerat, Oman.