Aaryavir Sehwag's 160 propels India U19 to 70-run win over UAE, into U19 Asia Cup semis
Aaryavir Sehwag scored 160 as India U19 defeated UAE U19 by 70 runs in the U19 Asia Cup on Tuesday, securing a place in the semi-finals against Afghanistan. India posted 309 for 7 in 50 overs while UAE finished on 239 for 9 in 50 overs.
India entered the match needing a response following a loss to Pakistan in their previous outing; UAE won the toss and elected to field. The surface carried a tinge of moisture and an even covering of grass, offering assistance to the new ball, and India required patience from their top order. Captain Lakshya Rajesh Raichandani fell for 17 early as the visitors attempted to negotiate the opening period.
Sehwag began his innings cautiously while UAE seamers produced movement, and he survived a couple of chances before settling in. He combined with VK Vineeth to add 193 for the second wicket, with Vineeth making 67 as the pair rebuilt India’s innings into a substantial platform.
After reaching three figures, Sehwag increased his aggression, finishing on 160 off 168 balls with 17 fours and seven sixes. He was dismissed in the 45th over, caught at mid-wicket off Naseem Khan, and Mohit Ulva added useful late runs, including a six, as India registered what the report described as the tournament’s highest total at that stage.
UAE’s chase was anchored by Ahmed Khudadad, who scored 74 off 74 balls with six fours and three sixes, while Noorullah Ayobi contributed 39 from 25 deliveries and Yayin Rai made 29. That middle-order resistance briefly made the target appear attainable but lacked the larger contributions required to overhaul India’s total.
Ishan Sood emerged as India’s leading bowler, finishing with figures of 3 for 37; he removed Ayobi and Khudadad in successive deliveries and also dismissed Hadayatullah Khan during UAE’s 239. Those wickets curtailed the late momentum and left UAE short of the target.
The victory ended India’s wait for a rebound from their defeat to Pakistan and confirmed their place in the U19 Asia Cup last four, where they will meet Afghanistan in the semi-final.
