India and Sri Lanka were all set to lock horns in a high-stakes semifinal of the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup in Dubai today (December 19) before the rains played spoilsport. All eyes may be as much on the skies as on the pitch. It has been raining continuously in the city and it has already disrupted several matches in the tournament. The weather forecast for the day has added an extra layer of intrigue to this knockout clash.
India’s road to the semis
India Under-19 arrive in the semifinals with formidable momentum after a near-flawless group-stage campaign. The young side topped Group A by delivering a series of one-sided victories that showed their depth and firepower. India began by demolishing hosts UAE by 234 runs after posting a mammoth 433 for 6. They then brushed aside arch-rivals Pakistan, bowling them out for 150 to register a comfortable 90-run win after putting up 240 on the board.
The dominance continued in their final group match, where India defeated Malaysia by 315 runs. A commanding 408 for 7 was followed by a ruthless bowling that saw Malaysia bundled out for just 93. India reached the semifinals as group toppers and clear favourites after three wins from three matches.
Sri Lanka’s road to the semis
Sri Lanka Under-19 have taken a more hard-fought route to the last four. They opened their Group B campaign with a convincing eight-wicket win over Nepal at The Sevens Stadium. Their most impressive performance came against Afghanistan, where Sri Lanka held their nerve in a tense chase, getting over the line with just two wickets to spare in the final over at the ICC Academy.
Although Sri Lanka went down by 39 runs against Bangladesh in their final group fixture, they had already done enough to secure a semifinal spot. Finishing second in Group B, the young Lankan side has shown resilience and the ability to handle pressure situations.
What if this match is washed out?
Rain could yet play a decisive role in today’s outcome. If the semifinal is washed out without any play, tournament regulations will apply.
India, having finished at the top of Group A, will advance to the final, while Sri Lanka would miss out. In the other semifinal, Bangladesh would progress in the event of a no-result against Pakistan.