Raichandani’s 93 propels India into U19 Asia Cup final against Pakistan in Oman
Skipper Lakshya Raichandani struck 93 as India beat Afghanistan by eight wickets in the Under-19 Asia Cup semifinal in Al Amerat, Oman on Thursday, setting up a final against Pakistan. India chased down Afghanistan’s 227 for eight to finish on 230 for two in 36.5 overs.
Ishan Sood-led Indian bowlers had earlier restricted Afghanistan to a below-par 227 for eight, with Sood finishing with figures of 3/43. Raichandani’s 90-ball knock included 13x4 and 1x6 and ensured a relatively swift chase, while Pakistan secured the other final berth by defeating Bangladesh by nine wickets. Pakistan had beaten India in the group stage, and the final is scheduled for Saturday, November 14 in Oman.
Raichandani reached his first fifty off 39 balls, pulling Mohammad Ali to the boundary to move to 49 before a single took him to fifty, and he added substantial partnerships that settled the chase. He put on 117 runs in 17 overs with opening partner Aaryavir Sehwag and then shared a 77-run stand with VK Vineeth for the second wicket.
Aaryavir Sehwag provided impetus at the start, striking three sixes early and reaching fifty in 56 balls with a fourth six off pacer Noor Ali, before he was dismissed for 51 at the next delivery. Sehwag attempted a pull, misjudged the extra bounce, and was caught at covers by Faridullah Ihsas.
VK Vineeth supported the chase with a measured innings, reaching his fifty in 61 balls and finishing 57 not out; he closed the match with a boundary and a six in successive balls off Noor Ali. Raichandani’s dismissal came later when he tried to lift off-spinner Sohail Khan over extra cover, scooped the ball, and was caught by Mohammad Ali diving to his left.
Afghanistan’s innings featured half-centuries from wicketkeeper-batter Noman Salarzai and Shah Faisal Rahimi, who made 51 each but failed to maintain momentum through the middle overs. India’s spinners also played a role in controlling the middle phase after Sood had made early inroads.
In the other semifinal earlier in the day, Rizwanullah claimed five wickets (5/30) as Pakistan bowled out Bangladesh for 138 in 31.4 overs; opener Abdullah Al Muhi made 50 off 45 balls but the rest of the lineup collapsed. Rizwanullah now has 11 wickets across four matches and had taken three for 24 against India in the group match. Pakistan’s openers Usman Khan (64 not out) and Hayam Khan (69) then compiled a 123-run stand in 20.4 overs and reached 141 in 21.5 overs to complete a nine-wicket victory.
India will meet Pakistan in the U19 Asia Cup final in Al Amerat, Oman on Saturday, November 14.
