Skipper Lakshya Raichandani struck a solid 93 as India pummelled Afghanistan by eight wickets in the semifinal on Thursday to set up a final clash against Pakistan in the 2026 Under-19 Asia Cup. Once pacer Ishan Sood-led Indian bowlers restricted Afghanistan to a below-par 227 for eight, victory for India was always a formality.

Raichandani's 90-ball innings (13x4, 1x6) ensured that India reached the target in just 36.5 overs. They made 230/2. Earlier, Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by nine wickets to book their berth in the summit clash. Pakistan had earlier beaten India in the group stages of this eve

The final is scheduled to be held here on Saturday, November 14. Raichandani was hardly troubled by Afghanistan bowlers, who have actually done quite well in this tournament. The right-hander never really looked in a rush, still he made runs at a strike-rate over 100.

In fact, Raichandani's first fifty came off just 39 balls. A full-blooded pull off Mohammad Ali carried him to 49 before a single in the next ball took him to fifty. But Raichandani, who added 117 runs in 17 overs with opening partner Aaryavir Sehwag (51) and 77 with VK Vineeth (57 not out) for the second wicket, settled down to a more sedate pace after that.

Raichandani played some cracking pulls and drives down the ground to keep India ahead of the curve. Vineeth, who reached his fifty in 61 balls, was equally impressive, and he ended the match with four and six in successive balls off Noor Ali.

But a rather surprising moment of indiscretion led to Raichandani's downfall. He tried to lift off-spinner Sohail Khan over extra cover but could not get under the ball, merely scooping it to Mohammad Ali, who completed a fine diving catch. India were so close to the target by then.

Sehwag too did his part in the initial phase of the chase, hammering three sixes to pile pressure on the Afghans.

He progressed through Uttarakhand's Under-16 and Under-19 systems before making his first-class debut with the senior team in Ranji Trophy. He was also a part of the India U-19 team against Australia U-19 for the youth Tests and one-dayers earlier this year.

Raichandani had a great 2026. He announced himself with a remarkable 207 off 324 balls in the first Youth Test for India U-19 against Sri Lanka U-19 at Galle. The right-hander followed that with a hundred in the second youth Test -100 off 116 deliveries - and amassed 307 runs in three innings.

In his seven first-class matches for Uttarakhand, Raichandani scored 304 runs, with a best of 86 at the average of 33.77.