Sharjah/Dubai: India and Bangladesh stormed into the final of the Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2024 with emphatic victories in their respective semifinal matches on Wednesday, setting up an eagerly anticipated clash for the title.
In a thrilling encounter at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, India defeated Sri Lanka by seven wickets, showcasing their dominance with both bat and ball.
Opting to bowl first, India’s bowlers restricted Sri Lanka to 174 runs in 46.2 overs.
Lakvin Abeysinghe top-scored for Sri Lanka with a patient 69 off 110 balls, while Sharujan Shanmuganathan chipped in with 42. However, India’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Chetan Sharma (3/34), alongside Kiran Chormale (2/29) and Yudhajit Guha (1/38), prevented Sri Lanka from capitalising on their starts.
India’s chase was a spectacle of aggressive batting. Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s explosive 67 off 36 balls, laced with six fours and five sixes, laid the foundation for a swift pursuit. Supported by Ayush Mhatre (34 off 28), and finishing touches from C Andre Siddarth and Mohamed Amaan, India reached 175/3 in just 21.4 overs, with a staggering 170 balls to spare.
Meanwhile, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh secured their final berth with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Pakistan.
Bangladesh’s bowlers dismantled Pakistan for 116 runs in 37 overs. Mohammad Riazullah’s 28 and Farhan Yousaf’s quick 32 were the only notable contributions from Pakistan’s lineup. Iqbal Hossain Emon starred for Bangladesh, taking 4/24, supported by Maruf Mridha (2/23) and Al Fahad (1/23).
Chasing a modest target, Bangladesh captain Azizul Hakim led from the front with an unbeaten 61 off 42 balls, featuring seven fours and three sixes. Contributions from Mohammad Shihab James (26) and Zawad Abrar (17) ensured Bangladesh’s comfortable chase, completed in just 22.1 overs.
The final showdown between India and Bangladesh, two formidable sides, promises to be an exciting contest for the coveted U19 Asia Cup 2024 title.
UNI
