India Under-19 cruised towards a comfortable victory in the first semi-final of the Under-19 Asia Cup 2025 against Sri Lanka Under-19 at the ICC Academy Ground on December 19, chasing a revised target of 139 in a rain-shortened 20-overs-per-side contest. After a five-hour delay due to wet outfield conditions, Vihaan Malhotra, recently acquired by Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2026 auction, struck a rapid half-century, including consecutive boundaries and a six, to anchor the innings alongside Aaron George.

Sri Lanka, electing to bat first after India skipper Ayush Mhatre won the toss and chose to bowl, managed 138 for 8, with Chamika Heenatigala top-scoring with 42 off 38 balls. Contributions from Captain Vimath Dinsara (32) and Sethmika Seneviratne (30) provided some resistance, but regular wickets disrupted momentum. All-rounder Kanishk Chouhan, also an RCB signing in the recent auction, claimed two wickets in one over, while Henil Patel matched his haul, and 18-year-old Vedant Trivedi impressed with a run-out and sharp catch.

India's chase began shakily with early dismissals of captain Mhatre and teenage prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, reducing them to a precarious position. However, Malhotra and George forged a steady partnership, accelerating with aggressive strokeplay to reach 124 for 2 after 16 overs, with both nearing fifties and the required run rate well under control.

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The unbeaten India side, having topped Group A, demonstrated depth and composure to dominate the knockout encounter. Victory secured their spot in the final against the winner of the second semi-final between Pakistan and Bangladesh, underscoring their status as favorites in the tournament hosted across UAE venues.

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