‘Told my dad I will get a big hundred’: Aaryavir Sehwag after 160 vs UAE

Aaryavir Sehwag's 160 runs off 168 balls propelled India into the Under-19 Asia Cup semifinal. Prior to this match, Sehwag had scored 70 not out against Nepal and 22 against Pakistan. Sehwag's innings featured 17 fours and seven sixes, accelerating after his century. He took time to settle against the new ball, with UAE pacer Naseem Khan targeting him outside the off stump.

Sehwag found form after the fourth over, hitting two consecutive boundaries off Noorullah Ayobi. UAE had chances to dismiss Sehwag early, but failed to capitalize. In the 16th over, wicketkeeper Muhammad Saad dropped two catches off Ayobi. Sehwag and VK Vineeth formed a strong partnership, adding 193 runs for the second wicket. Sehwag reached his half-century off 69 balls with a six off Ayobi.

The slow pitch slowed down stroke-making, forcing the batsmen to rely on singles and twos. Sehwag scored his century off 131 balls, then shifted to a more aggressive style, scoring two fours and two sixes off spinners. He reached 150 in just 29 deliveries. Sehwag was dismissed in the 45th over, mistiming a pull shot against a slower delivery. UAE reached 239 all out, chasing 310. Afghanistan will face India in the semifinal on Thursday.