Aaryavir Sehwag brings Virat Kohli vibes to U19 Asia Cup final with brave fifty

Detailed summary

Aaryavir Sehwag battled an injury scare to score a fighting 58 against Pakistan in the U19 Asia Cup final. The 15-year-old marked his half-century with Virat Kohli's iconic 'let my bat do the talking' celebration.

Aaryavir Sehwag gave India a reminder of Virat Kohli with a celebration that needed no explanation. The 15-year-old opener brought out Kohli's familiar 'let my bat do the talking' gesture after battling through an injury scare to score a fighting half-century against Pakistan in the Under-19 Asia Cup final.

Kohli had made the gesture after reaching his 25th Test century against Australia in Perth on December 16, 2018. Sehwag recreated that moment after bringing up his fifty, giving his innings an extra touch of flair on a day when he had to fight through pain.

With India chasing a daunting 338, Sehwag had a difficult start against Pakistan's pace attack. But the opener refused to let the injury get in the way, continuing to take on the bowlers and finding an able partner in captain Lakshya Raichandani.

Sehwag brought up his fifty off 50 balls, making it his fourth score of 50 or more in the tournament. He had scored 70 not out, 160 and 51 in his previous three innings, and continued that run of form in the final.

Sehwag's resolve was tested early when an inswinging delivery from Ali Raza struck him on the forearm. The blow left the youngster in visible discomfort and brought the physio out to the middle. His injured hand was bandaged before he decided to carry on.

There was little sign of hesitation when play resumed. Sehwag responded by smashing the very next ball he faced for a boundary, cutting it behind with a brilliant shot. He continued batting with discomfort, at times taking his bottom hand off the bat, but did not allow the injury to disrupt his approach.

Sehwag and Raichandani put together a 97-run opening partnership, with the captain playing a steady hand alongside the more aggressive opener. Sehwag eventually made 58 off 61 balls, striking nine fours, before Pakistan found a way through.

At the time of writing, India were 97/1 in 17.4 overs, with Raichandani batting on 35. Sehwag's innings ended when he stepped out to attack spinner Niqab Shafiq but mistimed…

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