India, Afghanistan face off in Youth Asia Cup semi

By Madushka Balasuriya

Defending champions India will be looking to secure their third consecutive Asian Cricket Council Under 19 Asia Cup finals appearance when they take on Afghanistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo later today. 

India, who come into the semifinals undefeated having won all three of their Group A matches against Malaysia, Nepal and Sri Lanka respectively, will be firm favourites but will have a worthy foe in Afghanistan who, having already stunned Pakistan in the group stages to secure an unexpected semi-final berth, will be looking to cause another upset.

 Following a poor showing in their opening match against Bangladesh, where they were bowled out for 146, Afghanistan’s top order clicked into form in dramatic fashion against Pakistan, losing only three wickets as they put up a match-winning 273. 

The surprise result saw Afghanistan finish second in a tight Group B behind Bangladesh and ahead of Pakistan, with only net run rate separating the three sides after all of them finished on nine points apiece.

Today’s winner will face either Sri Lanka or Bangladesh, who square off in the second semifinals tomorrow at the same venue. The semifinals and the finals are all day/night affairs with matches starting at 2.30 p.m. The final will be held on 23 December at the R. Premadasa Stadium.