Malhotra, George Guide India into Under-19 Asia Cup Final

Patient half-centuries from Vihaan Malhotra and Aaron George powered India to an emphatic eight-wicket win over Sri Lanka in a rain-reduced semi-final of the Under-19 Asia Cup, setting up a much-anticipated final clash with Pakistan on Sunday.

After opting to bowl, India’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance to restrict Sri Lanka to 138 for 8. The early momentum firmly belonged to India as Sri Lanka slumped to 28 for 3, with Kishan Singh and Deepesh Devendran striking early. A sharp direct hit from Vedant Trivedi to run out Kavija Gamage in the sixth over further dented Sri Lanka’s innings.

Captain Vimath Dinsara and Chamika Heenatigala attempted to revive the innings with a 45-run partnership, but Sri Lanka once again lost their way, shedding three wickets for just 11 runs. The rebuilding job then fell to Heenatigala and Sethmika Seneviratne, who added a valuable 62 runs. While Seneviratne played the aggressor, Heenatigala battled through discomfort to hold the innings together.

Just as Sri Lanka looked set to push towards 150, India struck back in the closing overs. Tight bowling and timely wickets in the final three overs limited Sri Lanka to only 20 runs during that phase, with Kanishk Chouhan and Khilan Patel playing key roles in applying the brakes.

Chasing 139, India were briefly tested when they slipped to 25 for 2, offering Sri Lanka a glimpse of a comeback. However, Malhotra and George showed maturity and composure beyond their years, stitching together an unbeaten 114-run partnership to seal the match.

Their stand was built in two contrasting phases. The first 62 runs came off 51 balls as the pair consolidated, before accelerating sharply, adding the next 52 runs from just 36 deliveries. Malhotra provided the decisive thrust, swinging the momentum with successive boundaries off Dulnith Sigera in the 13th over. He reached his fifty off 35 balls, while George brought up his half-century from 43 deliveries.

India eventually finished on 139 for 2, winning with ease and underlining their all-round strength. With this victory, they booked a place in the final, where they will face Pakistan in what promises to be a high-stakes Under-19 Asia Cup showdown.