Sri Lanka U19 Target Historic Upset Against Unbeaten India in Asia Cup Semi-Final

DEC.19 (Mirror Sports) - Sri Lanka U19 will look to pull off a memorable upset when they face an unbeaten India U19 side in the first semi-final of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025 on Friday at the ICC Academy Ground, Dubai.

The young Lions earned their place in the last four with fighting performances in Group B, highlighted by a thrilling two-wicket win over Afghanistan under pressure. Skipper Vimath Dinsara has led from the front, while opener Kavija Gamage, nearing 500 Youth ODI runs, has provided solid starts at the top.

Sri Lanka’s biggest strength heading into the knockout stage is their bowling depth. Pacers Vigneshwaran Akash and Sethmika Seneviratne have consistently struck at key moments and will be crucial against India’s strong batting line-up.

With a place in the final on the line, Sri Lanka U19 will be determined to challenge the odds and keep their Asia Cup dream alive.

India U19 enter the semi-final in formidable form, having brushed aside UAE, Pakistan, and Malaysia. Their campaign has been highlighted by Abhigyan Kundu’s historic double century and a disciplined bowling unit led by Deepesh Devendran.

Although India hold a commanding 39–6 head-to-head advantage, Sri Lanka U19 can take confidence from their bowling depth, with Vigneshwaran Akash and Sethmika Seneviratne capable of exploiting pressure moments in a high-stakes knockout encounter.

Probable Playing XIs

• Sri Lanka U19:

Vimath Dinsara (c), Kavija Gamage, Dimantha Mahavithana, Viran Chamuditha, Dulnith Sigera, Chamika Heenatigala, Aadham Hilmy (wk), Kithma Withanapathirana, Sethmika Seneviratne, Sanuja Ninduwara, Kugathas Mathulan.

• India U19:

Ayush Mhatre (c), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Vihaan Malhotra, Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), Harvansh Pangalia, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan Patel, Deepesh Devendran, Kishan Kumar Singh, Udhav Mohan.