Like Father, Like Son: Aaryavir Sehwag Powers India U19 to Dominant Win
Aaryavir Sehwag's unbeaten 70 and Ishan Sood's bowling masterclass lead India U19 to a dominant 10-wicket win over Nepal in the Asia Cup 2026.
India Under-19 kicked off their Aaryavir Sehwag U19 Asia Cup campaign in spectacular fashion, recording a crushing 10-wicket victory over Nepal Under-19 at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman. In a display of absolute dominance, India dismantled Nepal's batting order and chased down the target with ease, leaving the opposition with no answers.
Ishan Sood's Bowling Masterclass
After winning the toss and electing to bowl, India wasted no time in asserting their authority. The early movement on the pitch played right into the hands of the Indian bowlers, who put Nepal on the back foot from the very first over.
The star of the first innings was Ishan Sood, whose disciplined spell left the Nepal top order in shambles. Sood returned clinical figures of 3 for 18 in his 10 overs, including four maiden overs. His precision was lethal as he tore through the top order, dismissing Prashiddha Jaishi (1), Suryanshu Koirala (5), and Nischal Chhetri (0) for a mere 27 runs.
While Darsh Sonar fought hard to top-score for Nepal with 43 off 93 balls, and wicketkeeper-batter Aashish Luhar added 29 off 45, the resistance was not enough. India's relentless pressure, supported by two wickets each from Arjun Rajput and Yashveer Goud, and one wicket each from Manal Chauhan and Kavya Patel, eventually bundled Nepal out for 128 in 42.3 overs.
Aaryavir Sehwag Channels the Family Legacy
The second half of the match belonged to Aaryavir Sehwag, son of the legendary Indian opener Virender Sehwag. Mirroring his father's aggressive approach, Aaryavir took the attack to the Nepal bowlers from the get-go.
Aaryavir smashed an unbeaten 70 off just 52 deliveries, finding the boundary frequently and ensuring the chase remained a formality. He was ably supported by captain Lakshya Rajesh Raichandani, who played a steady role, remaining unbeaten on 53 off 63 balls.
The opening duo stitched together an unbroken partnership, guiding India to the target in just 19.1 overs. The comprehensive victory was a statement of intent from the young Indian side as they begin their quest for the trophy.
Captain's Take and Match Honors
Following the victory, captain Lakshya Rajesh Raichandani credited the team's preparation and the ability to exploit the conditions.
"It was a good toss to win. There was some movement early on and we exploited it really well. They were hitting really good lengths and that was the talk, just hit the good length, hit the right spot and keep the pressure up. The wicket got better and we have planned really well and it was good," Raichandani remarked.
For his pivotal role in restricting Nepal to a low total, Ishan Sood was deservedly named the Player of the Match.