India Under-19s stormed into the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup 2024 final with an emphatic seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka Under-19s in the second semi-final at Sharjah on Friday. A clinical bowling performance followed by a blistering knock by Player of the Match Vaibhav Suryavanshi ensured India’s place in the title clash against Bangladesh.
Sri Lanka Under-19s were in early trouble against Indian bowlers after a winning toss and choosing to bat as Chetan Sharma destroyed the top order with his 3/34 along with Ayush Mhatre and Kiran Chormale, who took one wicket each. They never gained momentum in Lankan innings and slumped as low as 8/3 within the first four overs.
A 93-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Sharujan Shanmuganathan (42 off 78) and Lakvin Abeysinghe (69 off 110) helped stabilize the innings. A patient knock from Abeysinghe with three fours and two sixes brought Sri Lanka back into the game, but Shanmuganathan was dismissed by Mhatre in the 29th over and the middle and lower order fell prey to the disciplined bowling attack of India. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 173 in 46.2 overs, with extras accounting for a significant 12 runs.
India Under-19s super start against Sri Lanka to qualify for Under-19 Asia Cup 2024 final
India’s chase was a statement of intent, spearheaded by Suryavanshi’s stunning 67 off just 36 deliveries. Opening the innings alongside Ayush Mhatre, the duo launched a blistering assault on the Sri Lankan bowlers, racing to 91 inside nine overs. Mhatre’s quickfire 34 (28 balls) set the tone before he fell to Vihas Thewmika in the ninth over.
Suryavanshi continued his onslaught, with six fours and five sixes at a strike rate of 186.11, as he fell in the 14th over bowled by Praveen Maneesha, after which India was comfortably placed at 132/2. Andre Siddarth added 22 off 27, but it was Mohamed Amaan who took his time to take the team home, scoring 25* off 26, while KP Karthikeya remained 11* off 14 as India completed the target with 21.4 overs to spare.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers never could get into any sort of rhythm. Thewmika and Chamuditha got a wicket each, while Maneesha got Suryavanshi. That was it; they were nowhere near good enough to defend this smallish target.
The explosion of batting by Suryavanshi earned him the Player of the Match award, while India’s all-round effort in each and every department ensured a comfortable victory. This win also sets up a highly expected final clash against Bangladesh Under-19s, which promises an exciting end to the tournament.
India will go into the final with their confidence high, while Bangladesh will look to challenge the in-form Indian side in their quest for the trophy. The decider is set to take place in Dubai, where both teams will battle for the prestigious title.
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