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India secured their place in the final of the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2024 with a comprehensive 7-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the semi-final. A stunning display by Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who struck a whirlwind half-century, provided the foundation for India’s chase as they easily overhauled the target of 174.
With this win, India will now take on Bangladesh in the much-awaited final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 8 December 2024.
Lanka’s Collapse Through Batting
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Sri Lanka’s U19 could not capitalize on the early overs and were bowled out for only 173 runs in 46.2 overs. Although a courageous effort from Lakvin Abeysinghe, who scored the most with 69 runs off 54 balls, Sri Lanka’s batting failed to build partnerships to match the target. The lone highlight of the innings by Abeysinghe contained three fours and two sixes; unfortunately, he had no help from the other end.
Sharujan Shanmuganathan, the wicket-keeper batsman, also supported with a solid 42 runs off 50 balls, but apart from these two, no other Sri Lankan batsman could make any significant impression. Vihas Themika, the captain, could only score 14 runs, while Kavija Gamez was dismissed for a very low score of 10 runs.
For India, the bowling unit came up with a clinical show. Chetan Sharma was leading the charge. Sharma claimed 3 wickets for 34 runs in his 8 overs and proved crucial at the right moment. Ayush Mhatre and Kiran Chormel also did a good job as they managed to take two wickets each, limiting Sri Lanka to a total that was always going to be a tough ask to defend.
India’s Dominant Chase
Chasing a modest target of 174, India got off to a confident start, thanks to an explosive opening partnership between Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre. The duo put on a 91-run stand for the first wicket, which set the tone for the chase.
Mhatre played an aggressive knock, scoring 34 runs off 28 balls, while Suryavanshi was the star of the chase, blasting 67 runs off just 36 balls, including 6 fours and 5 sixes. His scintillating knock displayed his immense talent and ability to take the game away from the opposition in no time.
The presence of Suryavanshi with Mhatre ensured that India was not under any undue pressure at all during the chase. Even after Mhatre’s dismissal, India didn’t lose their momentum. They were guided over the line by C Siddharth (22 runs) and Mohammad Aman (25 runs). They completed the target in just 27.2 overs, with three wickets remaining.
Complete Team Performance of India
It was a team effort for the Indian U19 as the bowlers and batsmen were at their best when the game mattered the most. The bowlers, spearheaded by Sharma, made Sri Lanka struggle right from the beginning, and the top-order batsmen, especially Suryavanshi and Mhatre, took the game away from the opposition.
India’s middle order also kept its composure, with Siddharth and Aman making sure there were no hiccups in the chase. The win ensured that they were in the final besides showing them well-rounded strength in all departments of the game.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi Social Buzz
The Indian team’s all-round performance did not go unnoticed, and fans and cricket experts showered praise on them through social media. Many hailed the explosive batting of Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who has now become one of the standout players of the tournament. His consistent and aggressive approach has made him one of the most talked-about young talents in world cricket.
India vs Bangladesh: A Thrilling Final Awaited
Victory against Sri Lanka has assured a berth in the ACC U19 Asia Cup final for India. The last match against Bangladesh is going to be a great contest because the two teams have performed marvelously throughout the tournament. Bangladesh also has gained a place in the final after winning against Pakistan in the semi-finals.
India will go into the final as the favorites, based on their dominance in the semi-final. However, Bangladesh will not be easy opposition, with their solid batting lineup and their spinners. The final will definitely be a pressure game because both teams want to claim the prestigious title.
Victory for India here would be the added number of trophies in the roll of successes of young players in India. In other words, a historical Bangladesh win. The excitement was building for fans in each country ahead of the keenly awaited climax of this tournament.
