Captain Lakshya Raichandani hit a commanding 93 as India beat Afghanistan by eight wickets in the second semi-final of the ACC Men's Under-19 Asia Cup at Al Amerat in Oman on Thursday, 12 November, setting up a final against arch-rivals Pakistan.

India chased down Afghanistan's total of 227 with 79 balls to spare, reaching 230 for two in 36.5 overs, to book their place in Saturday's title decider.

Afghanistan post 227 after winning the toss

Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first, and for a while it looked as though they had read the pitch well. Noman Salarzai and Shah Faisal Rahimi both made half-centuries, each scoring 51, and captain Sohail Khan remained unbeaten on 36 as Afghanistan reached 227 for eight from their 50 overs.

India's bowlers kept the scoring under control throughout, with Ishan Sood leading the attack with three wickets, and Afghanistan were unable to accelerate in the closing overs.

Raichandani leads a comfortable chase

India's reply was never in serious doubt. Raichandani, who had scored 53 not out, 0 and 17 in his three previous innings of the tournament, found his best form when it mattered most, striking 93 from 90 balls with 13 fours and a six.

He shared an opening stand of 117 with Aaryavir Sehwag, who made 51, before VK Vineeth finished the job with an unbeaten 57, guiding India home with eight wickets in hand. Raichandani was named player of the match for his match-winning innings.

A Pakistan final on Saturday

Sehwag's half-century continued his strong tournament. The opener scored 160 against the United Arab Emirates earlier in the competition, and his 51 gave India the fast start they needed in the semi-final. India will look to their top order again in Saturday's final, where they will try to overturn the group-stage defeat by Pakistan.

The result sets up the final everyone wanted: Pakistan against India at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground on Saturday, 14 November. Pakistan reached the final earlier in the day with a nine-wicket win over Bangladesh, and the two sides already know each other well — Pakistan beat India by three wickets in their group meeting on 8 November.

Pakistan are the defending champions and have won all four of their matches at the tournament, while India will be chasing the title after an unbeaten run of their own through the knockout stage. Saturday's final is a repeat of the group-stage meeting and promises to be a fitting end to the tournament.

Sources: ESPNcricinfo, Geo Super