Al Amerat (Oman), Nov 12:

India’s pace attack made early inroads against Afghanistan in the second semi-final of the Under-19 Asia Cup at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground on Thursday, reducing the unbeaten Group B toppers to 117 for 3 at the end of 30 overs.

After Afghanistan captain Sohail Khan won the toss and elected to bat first, Indian new-ball bowlers Ishan Sood and Kavya Patel maintained disciplined lines to stifle the scoring rate. Sood provided the opening breakthrough in the seventh over by inducing an outside edge from opener Abidullah Nadarjan (14), who was neatly caught behind by wicketkeeper Anvay Dravid. Patel then doubled India’s advantage in the 13th over, getting a delivery to nip back off the inside edge to bowl Faridullah Ihsas for 13.

Middle-order batter Subhan Zakhail attempted to rebuild the innings with a brisk 31 off 44 deliveries—including four boundaries and a six—before vice-captain Yashbardhan Chauhan struck in his spell, forcing an inside edge onto the stumps to leave Afghanistan three down at the midway stage. Led by skipper Lakshay Raichandani and boosted by opener Aaryavir Sehwag’s 160 in the previous outing against the UAE, India is vying for a berth in the tournament final.