U19 Asia Cup: Raichandani’s 93 sees India to final, to face Pakistan in title clash

AL AMERAT, OMAN Skipper Lakshya Raichandani struck a solid 93 as India pummelled Afghanistan by eight wickets in the semifinal on Thursday to set up a final clash against Pakistan in the Under-19 Asia Cup in Al Amerat, Oman. Once pacer Ishan Sood-led Indian bowlers restricted Afghanistan to a below-par 227 for eight, victory for India was always a formality. Raichandani's 90-ball innings (13x4, 1x6) ensured that India reached the target in just 36.5 overs. They made 230 for two.

Earlier, Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by nine wickets to book their berth in the summit clash. Pakistan had earlier beaten India in the group stages of this event. The final is scheduled to be held in Oman on Saturday, November 14. Raichandani was hardly troubled by Afghanistan bowlers, who have actually done quite well in this tournament.

The right-hander never really looked in a rush, still he made runs at a strike-rate over 100, and in fact, his first fifty came off just 39 balls. A full-blooded pull off Mohammad Ali carried him to 49 before a single in the next ball took him to fifty.