Aaryavir Sehwag’s 51 helps India U19 beat Afghanistan U19 in Asia Cup semi-final

India U19 defeated Afghanistan U19 in the second semi-final of the Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026 in Al Amerat on 12 November 2026, with opener Aaryavir Sehwag scoring 51 off 57 balls to help India reach the final.

India maintained their strong record against Afghanistan in youth ODIs in a low-scoring semi-final where captain Lakshya Rajesh Raichandani and the bowling unit played pivotal roles; Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat but were limited to 227/8. Noman Salarzai and Shah Faisal Rahimi each made 51 for Afghanistan, while India’s bowlers prevented any substantial partnerships.

Aaryavir Sehwag produced his third 50-plus score in four matches in the tournament, finishing 51 off 57 deliveries with 4 fours and 4 sixes; he reached his half-century with a six and was dismissed on the very next ball. Sehwag is the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 303 runs in 4 games at an average of 101 and a strike rate of 95.58, including one century and two half-centuries.

Sehwag put on a match-defining opening partnership of 117 in 16.6 overs with captain Lakshya Rajesh Raichandani, who contributed 93 off 90 balls. The stand set the foundation for the chase and left India well placed in the match.

Afghanistan’s total of 227/8 came after a top-order struggle that produced only the two half-centuries by Salarzai and Rahimi. Ishan Sood returned 3/43 in the game and has 11 wickets in the tournament, making him India’s leading wicket-taker in the event.

India capitalised on the strong start in the chase and VK Vineeth played a decisive cameo, finishing 57 not out off 62 balls to carry India over the line and secure the victory. The win booked India’s place in the final.

Pakistan qualified for the final after defeating Bangladesh U19 by 9 wickets; Pakistan had beaten India U19 by 3 wickets in the group stage. The Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026 final will take place on Saturday at Al Amerat Cricket Ground Turf 2, where India will face Pakistan.