India are through to the final of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026 after a comfortable eight-wicket win over Afghanistan in the semi-final at Al Amerat, Oman, on Thursday.
Captain Lakshya Raichandani led from the front with 93 off 90 balls as India chased down Afghanistan’s 227 for 8 with more than 13 overs to spare. India finished on 230 for 2 in 36.5 overs, with VK Vineeth hitting the winning six.
Afghanistan chose to bat first but never got going against a disciplined Indian attack. Pacer Ishan Sood took 3 for 43 to lead the bowling, and Afghanistan could only manage 227 for 8 in their 50 overs.
Raichandani, who was named Player of the Match, hit 13 fours and a six in his 93. He fell just short of a hundred, but by then the result was never in doubt.
India will now face Pakistan in the final on Saturday, November 14, at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground. The match starts at 10:30 AM IST.
It will be a repeat of last year’s final, and a rematch of the group-stage meeting between the two sides, which Pakistan won by three wickets. Pakistan, the defending champions, reached the final by beating Bangladesh by nine wickets in the other semi-final.
This is the 11th time India have reached the U19 Asia Cup final. Pakistan have been unbeaten in the tournament so far, while India’s only defeat came against Pakistan in the group stage.
For the young Indian side, Saturday is a chance to settle the score and lift the trophy. For Pakistan, it is a chance to defend their title and beat their rivals for the second time in the same tournament.
