Aaryavir in focus as India face Afghanistan in U-19 Asia Cup semifinal

AL AMERAT India will look to ride on the prolific form of Aaryavir Sehwag to book a place in the final when they take on Afghanistan in the men's U-19 Asia Cup semifinal here on Thursday. Aaryavir, son of former India opener Virender Sehwag, is the tournament's leading run-scorer after smashing 160 off 168 balls to guide India to a 70-run win over the UAE in their final Group A match. With scores of 70 not out, 22 and 160, Sehwag has accumulated 252 runs in three innings as India registered wins over Nepal and the UAE to storm into the semifinals.

Their only defeat came against Pakistan, who secured a three-wicket win in the group stage. Besides Aaryavir, Arjun Rajput has also made a significant contribution, scoring 107 against Pakistan. Medium pacer Ishan Sood and left-arm spinner Manal Chauhan have also impressed, claiming eight and five wickets, respectively.

India will look to the duo to deliver against an Afghanistan side that finished on top of Group B.