Aaryavir Sehwag delivered a sensational batting performance, scoring 160 runs to guide India Under-19 to a 70-run victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026 on Tuesday. The win also secured India’s place in the semi-finals.
Batting first at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman, India posted 309/7 in their allotted 50 overs, with Sehwag anchoring the innings through a brilliant knock of 160 off 168 deliveries. His innings featured 17 boundaries and seven sixes.
Sehwag found strong support from VK Vineeth, who scored 67 off 69 balls. The pair played a crucial role in India’s recovery and acceleration, helping the team cross the 300-run mark.
In reply, UAE managed 239/9 in 49.5 overs, falling 70 runs short of the target. Ahmed Khudada top-scored with 74 off 74 deliveries, while Noorullah Ayobi contributed 39 runs.
India’s bowling attack kept the UAE batters under pressure throughout the chase. Ishan Sood was the standout performer, claiming three wickets, while the other bowlers chipped in to restrict the opposition.
Sehwag was named Player of the Match for his match-winning innings. Speaking after the game, he revealed that he had promised his father, former India opener Virender Sehwag, that he would score a big hundred.
India’s campaign had begun with a convincing 10-wicket win over Nepal before they suffered a three-wicket defeat against arch-rivals Pakistan. The victory against UAE helped them secure a place in the last four.
India will now face Afghanistan in the semi-final as they look to continue their pursuit of the continental title.
