Vihaan Malhotra, fresh from securing his first IPL contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, delivered a performance that lived up to his hype, producing a composed 35-ball half-century to to lead India to the final of the Under-19 Asia Cup. The right-hander was at his best in the semi-final against Sri Lanka at the ICC Academy in Dubai on Thursday, underscoring why franchises are already investing in his future.
Just three days after RCB snapped him up for his base price of Rs 30 lakh in the December 16 IPL auction, Malhotra has shown remarkable maturity under pressure. Chasing a modest target of 139, India were rocked early as captain Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Suryavanshi departed in the first four overs, leaving the side reeling at 25 for 2. With the last wicket on the line, Malhotra stepped in and immediately brought calm to the crease.
India vs Sri Lanka U19 Asia Cup Semi Final Match Highlights
What followed was a master class in controlled aggression. Malhotra, alongside an equally composed Aaron George, patiently rebuilt the innings before gradually increasing the pace. The pair put together an unbroken partnership of 114 runs that completely took the game away from Sri Lanka. Malhotra brought up his fifty with a fine mix of sharp strokes and well-timed strokes, showing excellent awareness of the game during his stay.
While George anchored the chase with an unbeaten 58 off 49 balls, Malhotra played the role of the aggressor without taking any unnecessary risks. He finished unbeaten on 61 off 45 deliveries, hitting four boundaries and two sixes as India cruised home with 12 balls to spare. India eventually closed on 139 for 2 from 18 overs to seal an emphatic eight-wicket victory.
Malhotra’s knock earned him the Man of the Match award and further enhanced his growing reputation. In the ongoing Asia Cup, he has now scored 149 runs at an impressive average of 49.66 and a strike rate of 114.61, including two half-centuries.
With India set to take on arch-rivals Pakistan in the final on Sunday, Malhotra will be looking to carry that rich run of form into the summit clash and cap off a dream week in style.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
December 19, 2025
