India's Under-19 side have reached the final of the ACC Men's U19 Asia Cup after a comfortable eight-wicket win over Afghanistan in the second semi-final at Al Amerat in Oman on Thursday, 12 November 2026. They will now play Pakistan for the title, a match that reports say is scheduled for Saturday.

How the semi-final went

Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat. They made a steady start and at one stage stood at 143 for 3 in the 36th over, a position from which a score well above 250 looked possible. According to The Times of India's match report, India's bowlers then pulled things back with a disciplined spell through the middle and death overs.

Aryan Savsani struck twice in the same over, removing Amir Hamza and Tahir Sarwary, and Afghanistan lost three wickets in quick succession. Noman Salarzai and Shah Faisal Rahimi both scored 51, but neither could push the scoring rate up. Captain Sohail Khan stayed unbeaten on 36 off 44 balls as Afghanistan finished on 227 for 8 in their 50 overs.

Ishan Sood was India's best bowler with figures of 3 for 43, while Savsani ended with 2 for 29. Manal Chauhan and Yashbardhan Chauhan also kept the run rate in check.

The chase

India needed 228 and never looked in trouble. Skipper Lakshya Raichandani and Aaryavir Sehwag put on 117 runs for the opening wicket. Raichandani attacked from the first overs, finding the boundary regularly, especially on the off side, while Sehwag held the other end and reached a half-century, 51 off 57 balls, before he was dismissed.

Vineeth then joined his captain and rotated the strike well. India reached 230 for 2 in just 36.5 overs, finishing the game with 79 balls to spare. Raichandani was not out on 93, seven short of a hundred, but the result was never in doubt. The Tribune and other outlets also report the eight-wicket margin and the final line-up.

India versus Pakistan again

The final pairs India with Pakistan. The Economic Times reports that the title match is set for Saturday, 14 November. India lost to Pakistan U19 by three wickets earlier in the tournament, as we reported on 10 November, so Indian fans will see the final as a chance to settle that score. Some outlets have already described it as a revenge match, though both teams will treat it as a straightforward final.

Sehwag has been among India's key batters in this event. He hit 160 against the UAE in the group stage, which took India into the semi-finals, and his fifty here gave Raichandani a platform to build on.

What to watch on Saturday

India's bowling looked well balanced against Afghanistan, with a mix of wicket-takers in the middle overs. The batting depth was not tested much, since only two wickets fell. Pakistan will bring a stronger test, and the toss and early overs could matter.

Readers should check the broadcaster or the Asian Cricket Council's official channels for the start time and streaming details, since the sources we read do not agree on timings.

Why it matters

Indian age-group sides are watched closely because many senior players have come through these tournaments. A win in the final would give the squad a title and confidence ahead of the Under-19 World Cup cycle. For now the focus is on one match against the old rival.