The much-anticipated first semi-final of the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2025 between India and Sri Lanka faced an early delay on Friday as rain disrupted proceedings at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai. Persistent showers in the morning left the outfield wet, forcing officials to postpone the toss, much to the disappointment of players and fans.
According to match officials, the rain eventually stopped, but the ground staff needed additional time to dry the outfield to ensure player safety. As a result, the teams remained in their dressing rooms while conditions were closely monitored. Weather forecasts, however, offered some optimism, suggesting improved conditions as the day progressed and raising hopes for play to begin later without major interruptions.
India entered the semi-final as one of the strongest teams of the tournament, having topped Group A with a flawless record. Led by Ayush Mhatre, the Indian side registered dominant victories throughout the group stage, including a massive 234-run win over the UAE, a convincing 90-run triumph against arch-rivals Pakistan, and a staggering 315-run demolition of Malaysia. Several Indian batters have impressed, with notable performances from Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Aaron George, and wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu.
Kundu recently grabbed headlines after smashing a record-breaking double century against Malaysia, scoring 209 off just 125 balls. While the innings showcased his explosive talent, some of the records may not be officially recognized as they came against an associate nation. Nevertheless, his form adds to India’s confidence heading into the knockout stage.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, qualified for the semi-finals after wins over Nepal and Afghanistan, before suffering a defeat against Bangladesh. They will be eager to regroup and challenge the unbeaten Indian side once play gets underway.
The winner of this rain-affected semi-final will book a place in the final, where they will face either Bangladesh or Pakistan, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the tournament.
