India and Pakistan are set to clash once again in an ACC Asia Cup final. Pakistan U19 defeated Bangladesh U19. Pakistan U19 secured their eight-wicket win and was able to qualify to final in Dubai.
India U19, in the other semi-final, easily defeated Sri Lanka and booked their spot for the final on Sunday.
The India vs Sri Lanka contest was a rain-reduced contest, easily won by India. India opted to bowl and kept Sri Lanka to 138 for 8 in 20 overs. India struck them early and was able to take three wickets for 28 runs.
Vimath Dinsara’s 32 and Chamika Heenatigala’s 42 gave Sri Lanka some hope. However, India closed the innings well. They allowed only 20 runs in the last 3 overs.
Initially, India also suffered minor jitters. They lost 2 wickets for 25 runs. However, after that, Malhotra and George saved the day. Aaron George compiled 58 not out of 49, and Vihaan Malhotra finished unbeaten on 61 of 45.
A 114 runs were added by the pair for the third wicket. Their partnership was paced smartly. India was able to make 139 for 2 with 12 balls to spare.
Pakistan was able to swat Bangladesh away more easily. Pakistan chose to bowl and restricted Bangladesh from scoring runs. The seamer Abdul Subhan took 4 wickets for 20 runs. Bangladesh was bowled out for 121 in 26.3 runs.
Pakistan easily chased the target despite losing Hamza Zahoor early. Sameer Minhas anchored the innings for Pakistan. He scored 69 runs in 57 balls. Pakistan was able to make 122 runs for 2 wickets easily in 16.3 overs.
Also read: Pakistan under-19 cricket team reaches Asia Cup Final
