The stage is set for a thrilling showdown between India and defending champions Bangladesh in the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup final after both teams secured emphatic seven-wicket victories in their respective semi-final clashes.
India faced Sri Lanka in the first semi-final at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, where 13-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi stole the show. Chasing a modest target of 174, Suryavanshi lit up the stadium with a scintillating knock of 67 off just 36 balls, featuring a flurry of fours and sixes. His aggressive start set the tone for a comfortable chase as India wrapped up the match with more than 28 overs to spare.
Ayush Mhatre supported Suryavanshi with a composed 35 as the duo stitched a 91-run opening stand. Although Suryavanshi and Mhatre fell in quick succession, skipper Mohamed Amaan finished the game in style with an unbeaten knock, smashing the winning boundary to take India into the final.
Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat but struggled against India’s disciplined bowling attack. Chetan Sharma dealt early blows, removing Dulnith Sigera (2) and Vimath Dinsara (0) in consecutive deliveries. Sharujan Shanmuganathan (42) and Lakvin Abeysinghe (68) resurrected the innings with a solid 93-run partnership. However, Ayush Mhatre’s crucial breakthrough and Kiran Chormale’s tight off-spin turned the tide, leading to Sri Lanka being bowled out for 173 in 46.2 overs.
In the other semi-final, Bangladesh delivered a commanding performance to dismantle Pakistan. Maruf Mridha removed both openers without conceding a run, while Iqbal Hossain Emon wreaked havoc with a four-wicket haul, restricting Pakistan to a meager 116. Muhammad Riazullah (28) and Farhan Yousaf (32) provided brief resistance but could not salvage the innings.
Chasing 117, Bangladesh’s skipper Azizul Hakim ensured there were no hiccups, scoring an unbeaten 61 off 42 balls to seal the win with ease and book a spot in the final.