AL AMERAT, Nov 12: India entered the U-19 Asia Cup final after defeating Afghanistan by eight wickets in the semi-final here on Thursday.
Afghanistan, who elected to bat after winning the toss, scored 227 for eight in 50 overs. India chased down the target in 36.5 overs, scoring 230 for two with 79 balls to spare.
India captain Laksh Raichandani scored 93 off 90 balls, while Aryavir Sehwag made 51 off 57 balls. The pair added 117 runs for the first wicket.
After Sehwag's dismissal, V K Binite forged a crucial partnership with Raichandani and remained unbeaten on 57 off 62 balls. Yashvardhan Chauhan stayed unbeaten on 16 to take India to victory.
For Afghanistan, Noman Salarzai and Shah Faisal Rahimi scored 51 runs each. Ishan Sud took three wickets for 43 runs, while Aryan Chavsani claimed two wickets for India.
Pakistan had earlier qualified for the final after beating Bangladesh by nine wickets in the first semi-final. India and Pakistan will meet in the title clash on Saturday. India had lost to Pakistan by three wickets in the group stage.
