U19 Asia Cup 2021: India to meet Bangladesh in semi-finals after group-deciding match called off due to COVID-19

Sharjah: India will lock horns with Bangladesh in the semi-finals of the U-19 Asia Cup after the group-deciding match involving the latter team and Sri Lanka was called off due to COVID-19 infection of two officials in Sharjah on Tuesday. The semi-final will be played on Thursday. [caption id=“attachment_10199471” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] Representational image. Image credit: Getty Images[/caption] As many as 32.4 overs were already bowled before the final Group B match of the tournament was cancelled following COVID-19 positive results of two officials. “Asian Cricket Council and Emirates Cricket Board can confirm that the final Group B match of ACC Under 19 Asia Cup scheduled for play today has been called off,” Asian Cricket Council said in a statement. “It is confirmed that two Officials have tested positive for COVID-19. The Officials are currently safe and being treated in accordance with tournament protocols. “All personnel associated with this match are undergoing testing protocols and isolating until results are returned.” Sent into bat, Ariful Islam (19) and Md Fahim (27) were at the crease with Bangladesh at 130 for 4 in 32.4 overs when the match was called off. Both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka had already qualified for the semifinals and the match was to decide the group winner and runners-up. Due to its superior run rate, Bangladesh finished at the top and will meet India in their semi-final on 30 December. In the other semi-final, Sri Lanka will clash with Pakistan. India are the most successful team having won the title four times – 2000, 2008, 2012 and 2018. India have also been runners-up in 2016 and in the previous edition of the tournament held in 2020 in New Zealand.