IND vs AFG, U19 Asian Cup semi-final: Aaryavir’s hot form meets Afghanistan resistance

The India-Afghanistan semi-final presents an interesting contest between a side riding on the extraordinary form of their leading batsman and an opponent who has looked particularly dangerous with the ball. India are into the last four with two wins from three matches, but their campaign has not been without concerns. Pakistan’s defeat exposed weaknesses in their batting, especially when they faced an attack capable of sustaining pressure for long spells. Against Afghanistan, they won’t have much room for another such slip.

The U-19 Asia Cup semi-final will be played on Thursday, November 12, with the draw scheduled for 10:00 AM IST. India vs Afghanistan U19 semi final live streaming will be available on SonyLIV app and website while the matches will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network in India.

Much of India’s hopes will rest on Aaryavir Sehwag. The opener was the highlight of the tournament and he amassed 252 runs in three innings to settle at the top of the run charts. His last effort was 160 off 168 balls against UAE, an innings that helped India post 309 for seven to secure a 70-run victory. It was a strange knock for a different reason. Aaryavir made a promise to his father, former India opener Virender Sehwagthat he would give a hundred. He served in style.

But repeating this performance will not be easy. Afghanistan have a bowling attack that can test India’s patience, with Noor Ali leading the way. Temper took 13 wickets in three games and was particularly effective with the new ball. His ability to maintain a challenging line and length could make the opening overs uncomfortable for Aaryavir and his teammates. India will have to resist the temptation to force the pace early.

However, there is more to India’s batting than Aaryavir. Arjun Rajput showed his ability to play long innings with a hundred against Pakistan, though his effort was lost. The middle order will need to offer more support this time around. Against Pakistan, India were bowled out for 208, with too few batsmen able to build on their starts. That cannot happen again against the Afghanistan side that dominated Group B.

Anvay Dravid is another batsman India will be hoping to advance to the semi-finals. The son of former India captain Rahul Dravid is yet to play a substantial innings in the tournament and will be keen to make his presence felt when it matters most. With Afghanistan boasting a strong bowling attack, a meaningful contribution from Anvay could give the Indian batting line-up the depth it needs and take the pressure off Aaryavir.

India too have reason to be confident with the ball. Their attack bowled out Nepal for 128, while Ishan Sood and left-arm spinner Manal Chauhan picked up eight and five wickets respectively in the tournament. Captain Lakshya Raichandani will be hoping the pair can strike early and put pressure on Afghanistan’s batting. Faisal Rahimi and Subhan Zakhail were important contributors for the Afghans while Amir Hamza provided support to Noor Ali with five wickets.

So the rivalry could be about which side can handle the pressure better. Afghanistan have been consistent enough to finish top of their group, while India have shown they can produce great performances but haven’t always found that consistency. Aaryavir’s form gives them a strong platform, but the rest of the batting line-up needs to step up.

India have won the Under-19 Asia Cup eight times, including one shared title. Another final form is within reach. First, they have to get past an Afghan side that has a bowling attack to make life difficult.

IND vs AFG U19 ASIA CUP SEMI-FINALS: WEATHER FORECAST

Hot and humid conditions are expected at Al Amerat during the start of the game, with temperatures hovering around 30 degrees Celsius. Humidity is forecast to be around 69 percent, so conditions will be challenging for the players. Both teams will need to manage their energy levels and stay hydrated as they battle the heat.

IND vs AFG, U19 ASIA CUP SEMI-FINALS: PREDICTED 11, FULL SET

INDIA U19 PREDICTED XI: Lakshya Rajesh Raichandani (C), Aaryavir Sehwag, VK Vineeth, Yashbardhan Chauhan, Arjun Rajput, Anvay Dravid (WK), Manal Chauhan, Aryan Savsani, Kavya Patel, Mohit Ulva, Ishan Sood

AFGHANISTAN U19 PREDICTED XI: Abidullah Nadarjan, Faridullah Ihsas, Subhan Zakhail, Noman Salarzai (WK), Shah Faisal Rahimi, Tahir Sarwary, Amir Hamza, Sohail Khan (C), Mohammad Ali, Noor Ali Niazi, Abdullah Hamdard

INDIA U19 SQUAD: Lakshya Rajesh Raichandani(C), Aaryavir Sehwag, VK Vineeth, Arjun Rajput, Yashbardhan Chauhan, Anvay Dravid(WK), Manal Chauhan, Mohit Ulva, Aryan Savsani, Kavya Patel, Ishan Sood, Yashveer Goud, Kushagra Baghelod, Sha Rajh, Rajh

AFGHANISTAN U19 SQUAD: Abidullah Nadarjan, Faridullah Ihsas, Subhan Zakhail, Noman Salarzai (WK), Shah Faisal Rahimi, Tahir Sarwary, Amir Hamza, Sohail Khan (C), Mohammad Ali, Abdullah Hamdard, Noor Ali Niazi, Sami Mubarez, Bilal Luham Salimandi Mohanm I. Ali, Farid Zadran, Faisal Mubariz, Abidullah Abid, Hamza Khan Alikhil

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