India Under-19s began their ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026 campaign in perfect style, thrashing Nepal Under-19s by 10 wickets in the Group A opener at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1) in Al Amerat, Oman, on Friday, 6 November 2026. Chasing a modest target of 129, openers Aaryavir Sehwag and captain Lakshya Raichandani finished the job in just 19.1 overs, with 185 balls to spare, to hand India a statement win at the start of the tournament.
The victory was set up by India’s bowlers, who dismissed Nepal for only 128 in 42.3 overs after captain Raichandani won the toss and chose to bowl first.
Nepal Innings: Sood and Rajput Run Through Nepal
India struck early and never let Nepal settle. Fast bowler Ishan Sood led the attack with a superb new-ball spell of 3 for 18 in 10 overs, including four maidens, while Arjun Rajput was even more economical with 3 for 8. Yashveer Goud and Manal Chauhan picked up two wickets each as Nepal’s batting line-up kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Darsh Sonar fought hard for Nepal with 43 off 93 balls, and wicketkeeper Aashish Luhar added 29, the pair putting on 43 runs for the fifth wicket — the only partnership of note in the innings. Once that stand was broken, Nepal’s lower order folded quickly and the innings ended at 128 in 42.3 overs, a total that never looked enough on a good batting surface.
India Chase: Sehwag and Raichandani Seal It in Style
India’s chase began cautiously — Sushil Rawal even bowled a maiden first over — but it did not take long for the openers to take control. Aaryavir Sehwag, son of former India opener Virender Sehwag, played the standout innings, smashing an unbeaten 70 off just 52 balls with seven fours and four sixes. At the other end, captain Lakshya Raichandani played the perfect supporting role, finishing on 53 not out off 63 balls with seven boundaries of his own. The pair added an unbeaten 129 runs for the first wicket and never gave Nepal’s bowlers a chance, racing home in only 19.1 overs to complete a 10-wicket win.
Key Performances
- Ishan Sood — 3/18 in 10 overs with four maidens, and Player of the Match. His disciplined new-ball spell broke Nepal’s top order and set the tone for the match.
- Aaryavir Sehwag — 70 not out off 52 balls, with seven fours and four sixes. The most eye-catching innings of the match.
- Lakshya Raichandani — 53 not out off 63 balls, leading from the front as captain in an unbeaten opening stand of 129.
- Arjun Rajput — 3/8, the most economical spell of the match, keeping Nepal under constant pressure.
- Darsh Sonar — 43 off 93 balls, the lone hand that held Nepal’s innings together.
What the Result Means for Group A
The big win takes India straight to the top of Group A with two points and a net run rate of 4.170 — a healthy boost in a short group stage where net run rate can decide who reaches the semi-finals. More importantly, it gives the defending champions’ young side a confident start before their biggest test of the group stage: the clash against arch-rivals Pakistan U19 on Sunday, 8 November. Nepal, meanwhile, will need a quick response in their remaining group games after being outplayed in all departments.
Match Summary
| Match | India U19 vs Nepal U19, 4th Match, Group A, ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026 |
| Date | Friday, 6 November 2026 |
| Venue | Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1), Al Amerat, Oman |
| Toss | India U19 won the toss and elected to bowl first |
| Nepal U19 | 128 all out in 42.3 overs (Darsh Sonar 43; Ishan Sood 3/18, Arjun Rajput 3/8) |
| India U19 | 129/0 in 19.1 overs (Aaryavir Sehwag 70*, Lakshya Raichandani 53*) |
| Result | India U19 won by 10 wickets (with 185 balls remaining) |
| Player of the Match | Ishan Sood |
FAQs
- Who won India U19 vs Nepal U19 in the U19 Asia Cup 2026? — India U19 won by 10 wickets at Al Amerat on 6 November 2026.
- What was the score in India U19 vs Nepal U19? — Nepal scored 128 all out in 42.3 overs, and India chased it down at 129 for no loss in 19.1 overs.
- Who was the Player of the Match? — Ishan Sood, for his superb spell of 3 for 18 in 10 overs, including four maidens.
- Who top-scored for India U19? — Aaryavir Sehwag, with an unbeaten 70 off 52 balls, including seven fours and four sixes.
- When is India’s next match in the U19 Asia Cup 2026? — India U19 next face Pakistan U19 on Sunday, 8 November 2026.
- Where was the India U19 vs Nepal U19 match played? — At the Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1) in Al Amerat, Oman.
It was the perfect start for India U19 — bowlers on top, both openers among the runs, and a 10-wicket win with more than 30 overs to spare. The real test, though, is just two days away, when they meet Pakistan U19 in the marquee fixture of Group A.
Source: Cricbuzz scorecard
