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India U19 opener Aaryavir Sehwag disclosed that he had assured his father former India cricketer Virender Sehwag of scoring a big century before delivering a match winning 160 against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026.
Awarded Player of the Match for his outstanding 160-run effort off 168 balls, Aaryavir said he had set himself the target of spending nearly 40 overs at the crease. Despite finding it difficult to bat on a surface offering turn he remained focused and ensured that consecutive dot deliveries did not disrupt his scoring plans.
“Feels amazing. The wicket was turning a little. I started off and decided to play long and bat for 40 odd overs. There were challenges on the wicket. I didn’t get bothered about the dot balls. I knew I will catch up. And I wanted to make a big score. I had promised someone to make a big score today and thankfully I made it. And that person is my dad (Virender Sehwag). I told him I will get a big hundred. I have a legacy to live up to as he only likes big hundreds,” Aaryavir said during the post-match presentation.
Aaryavir’s innings featured 17 boundaries and seven maximums powering India to a total of 309/7 in their 50-over quota. He also forged a vital 193 runs stand with VK Vineeth who chipped in with 67 from 69 deliveries giving the Indian side a strong platform.
India went on to register a 70 runs triumph over the UAE booking their place in the tournament’s last four. Skipper Lakshya Raichandani lauded the batters for putting up a challenging score on a dry pitch and highlighted the significant contribution of Aaryavir and Vineeth’s stand in laying the foundation for the win.
“We batted well. It was an above-par score on this wicket. There was some resistance later on from the spinners, so it was good. The wicket was good but it was dry. There was no moisture. Just keep hitting the right lengths and keep the pressure. Ishan is bowling really well and executing the plans. Yeah, it was a good partnership, which set us in the game and it was a really good knock from VK Vineeth, really complementing the Aaryavir innings, and overall good performance in batting,” Lakshya said.
UAE skipper Ayaan Misbah admitted that missed chances in the field and a lack of aggression during the middle phase of the innings proved costly for his team. However, he was pleased with the progress made by the batting unit since last year noting that the side was now putting up a stronger fight against tougher opponents and managing to bat through all 50 overs.
“We dropped a few catches. Was a good bowling effort from us. Definitely he (Ayobi) deserved to start, but he was playing at his role in the right position. I think we just lacked intent in the middle, a few guys taking it easy. I think that was our issue. I think Noorullah is in the perfect place he is right now. He’s performing there, and I don’t think we need him anywhere else. Compared to last year, the batting side has improved. We are playing the full fifty overs. We are competing with the Test sides like India and Pakistan which I’m really happy about, and that gives a lot of confidence for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers coming in for us,” Ayaan said.
India’s bowling unit bundled out the UAE for 239, with Ishan Sood playing a key role by claiming four wickets for 37 runs. The 70 runs triumph secured India’s spot in the last four of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026 as the team now turns its attention to the semifinal challenge.
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