SHARJAH: A combined bowling effort, followed by Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s anchoring half-century, took India to the final of the 2024 ACC Men’s Under-19 Asian Cup with a resounding seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second semi-final here at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday.
The men in blue will face Bangladesh in the final clash after the defending champions overcame Pakistan by seven wickets in the first semi-final.
Sri Lanka captain Vihas Thewmika won the toss and elected to bat first in the tie against India. His decision, however, backfired as his team was bowled out for 173 in 46.2 overs despite an anchoring fourth-wicket partnership between Sharujan Shanmuganathan and Lakvin Abeysinghe.
The duo rallied Sri Lanka from 8/3 down and crossed the 100-run mark with a defiant stance, which lasted with Shanmuganathan’s dismissal in the 29th minute.
The wicketkeeper batsman continued to be a notable run bowler for Sri Lanka with a 78-ball 42, laced with two boundaries.
His dismissal sparked a decisive collapse that saw Sri Lanka bowled out for a meager 173.
Abeysinghe remained Sri Lanka’s top scorer with a cautious 69 off 110 deliveries with the help of three fours and two sixes.
Chetan Sharma was India’s standout bowler with three wickets, while Kiran Chormale and Ayush Mhatre bagged two wickets each.
In response, India comfortably knocked out the winning runs, losing just three wickets and 170 balls to spare.
Indian Premier League (IPL) auction sensation Suryavanshi was India’s top scorer with a quick 67 off 36 balls, studded with six fours and five sixes. For his half-century of victories, he was named the best player on the field.
Opening batsman Ayush Mhatre (34) and captain Mohamed Amaan (25*) also made notable contributions.
For Sri Lanka, Vihas Thewmika, Viran Chamuditha and Praveen Maneesha could pick one wicket each.
