India beat Sri Lanka by nine wickets in the U19 Asia Cup final at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday, thanks to a superb bowling performance and an unbeaten half-century from opener Angkrish Raghuvanshi. With the victory, India won the U19 Asia Cup trophy for the eighth time in nine seasons.

India had to chase 102 in the same number of overs after keeping Sri Lanka to 106/9 in 38 overs. Sri Lanka got over to a quick start when Harnoor Singh was caught plumb lbw by Yasiru Rodrigo for just five runs. But Raghuvanshi, who was hit on the helmet early in the game, remained undisturbed in his shot selection. With a lovely backhand punch and a pullover square leg, he got his first boundary of the match.

By spinning the ball and hitting a boundary, his teammate Shaik Rasheed kept the scoreboard running. Because of their efforts, they were able to reach the half-century milestone in their second-wicket stand. Raghuvanshi then displayed his skill, breaking boundaries with his feet and finding gaps with ease.

With a single through on-side, Raghuvanshi completed his remarkable fifty in 64 balls. The Indian hitters were also helped by the Sri Lankan bowling attack being too wide or allowing too much area for them to play their shots with ease. Raghuvanshi hit the game-winning runs, a late squeeze on a Matheesha Pathirana yorker through the third base to keep India's fresh start in the World Cup finals.

Earlier, India's bowling attack did an outstanding job of limiting Sri Lanka to 106/9 with perfect line and length, and discipline. Pacers Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Ravi Kumar, and Raj Bawa started off the fantastic show with the ball. In the opening 10 overs, the three put Sri Lanka on the back foot, giving the batsmen very little time to adjust.

Following Kumar and Bawa's wickets, off-spinner Kaushal Tambe added to Sri Lanka's difficulties with taking two wickets. Vicky Ostwal, a left-arm spinner, was the highlight of the bowlers, collecting 3/11 in eight overs.

Sri Lanka went to 15/1 without striking a boundary, thanks to Kumar and Bawa's tight bowling. Shevon Daniel nicked behind to keeper Aaradhya Yadav for six, giving Bawa his first wicket. Sadisha Rajapaksa and Anjala Bandara both hit boundaries, but it was caught lbw by off-spinner Tambe.

In the 27th over, Ostwal returned to dismiss Dunith Wellalage (caught by Bawa at mid-wicket) and Ranuda Somarathne (trapped lbw). Rain forced the game to be called apart after Sri Lanka got to 74/7 in 33 overs.