The much-anticipated semifinal clash between India and Sri Lanka in the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup 2025 faces an uncertain future, not from the opposition but from the weather. The knockout match is scheduled for Friday at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai, where persistent rain has already disrupted the tournament and now threatens to be a spoilsport.
Dominant India U19 Squad Aims for Final Berth
India's Under-19 team has been in formidable form, storming into the semifinals with a perfect record in Group A. Their campaign began with a staggering 234-run victory over the UAE, powered by a mammoth total of 433 for 6. The young colts continued their dominance with a 90-run win against arch-rivals Pakistan, bowling them out for 150. They sealed the top spot in their group with an emphatic 315-run demolition of Malaysia, scoring 408 for 7 before bundling the opponents for a mere 93.
Sri Lanka's Path to the Semifinals
Sri Lanka's journey to the last four was built on competitive grit. They started Group B with a comfortable eight-wicket win against Nepal at The Sevens Stadium. Their mettle was tested in a nail-biting encounter against Afghanistan at the ICC Academy, where they scraped through with a tense two-wicket win in the final over. Although they faced a 39-run defeat to Bangladesh in their final group game, their earlier performances were enough to secure second place in the group and a semifinal spot.
What Happens if Rain Washes Out the Semifinal?
The looming question in Dubai is the tournament's contingency plan for a rain-affected knockout. According to the competition regulations, if the semifinal is completely washed out without any play, the team that finished first in their group will advance. This means India U19 would progress to the final by virtue of topping Group A, while Sri Lanka, who finished second in Group B, would be eliminated. The same rule applies to the other semifinal, where Bangladesh would advance over Pakistan in case of a no-result.
All eyes will now be on the Dubai skies as two talented young sides wait for their chance to compete for a place in the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup final.
