India U19 Advances To Final Of ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2024 After Defeating Sri Lanka U19

India U19 vs Sri Lanka U19, ACC Men's U19 Asia Cup 2024: The Indian Under-19 cricket team secured a spot in the finals of the Men's U19 Asia Cup 2024 by defeating Sri Lanka U19 with a seven-wicket victory at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday, December 6.

The match was highlighted by the exceptional performance of 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who earned the Player-of-the-Match title for his explosive innings of 67 runs from just 36 balls. Ayush Mhatre also contributed significantly to the team's success.

Sri Lanka U19 opted to bat first but faced early setbacks as their top three batsmen were dismissed for a mere eight runs within four overs. Chetan Sharma led India's bowling attack with impressive figures of 3/34. Ayush Mhatre and Kiran Chormale each took two wickets, while Yudhajit Guha and Hardik Raj added one wicket apiece.

A crucial fourth-wicket partnership between Sharujan Shanmuganathan (42) and Lakvin Abeysinghe (69) helped Sri Lanka recover slightly, adding 93 runs. However, after Shanmuganathan was dismissed by Mhatre in the 29th over, Sri Lanka's batting lineup crumbled. They went from 101/4 to being all out for 173 in 46.2 overs due to India's disciplined bowling.

Chasing a target of 174, India started strongly with openers Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre forming a dynamic partnership. Suryavanshi, known as the youngest IPL-contracted player, showcased his talent with a remarkable innings that included five sixes and six boundaries.

Mhatre supported him well at the other end, scoring a brisk 34 off 28 balls with seven boundaries. Although Sri Lanka managed to dismiss both openers—Mhatre at 91 in the ninth over and Suryavanshi at 132 in the 14th—the damage had already been done.

Sri Lanka's Struggles Against India's Batting

India's middle-order batsmen ensured there were no further setbacks. Skipper Mohamed Amaan scored an unbeaten 25 off 26 balls, while KP Karthikeya added an unbeaten 11 off 14 balls. They completed the chase comfortably in just 21.4 overs with plenty of deliveries remaining.

Sri Lanka's bowling attack lacked effectiveness, with Praveen Maneesha (1/27), Viran Chamuditha (1/38), and captain Vihas Thewmika (1/33) taking wickets but failing to control India's batsmen. The team struggled to recover from their poor start with the bat and were outperformed in all aspects of the game.

India is now set to face defending champions Bangladesh U19 in the final as they aim to clinch the title.