A match-winning 65-run unbroken seventh wicket stand between Raj Bawa and Kaushal Tambe helped India to a four-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the U-19 Asia Cup in Dubai on Monday. India, who are placed second in the group behind Pakistan, thus ensured a semi-final spot.

Bawa (43 not out) and Tambe (35 not out) joined forces when India were in trouble at 197 for six in their pursuit of the 260-run target. This was after Harnoor Pannu (65) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (35) added 104 in an opening stand.

India will face the winners between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Put into bat, Afghanistan skipper Suliman Safi’s patient 73 coupled with a blistering unbeaten 86 by Ijaz Ahmed Ahmadzai propelled Afghanistan to respectable 259/4.

Harnoor and Angkrish were off to a flyer as India raced to 44 for no loss in six overs. However, Angkrish was trapped in the front by left-arm unorthodox spinner Noor Ahmed (4/43).

Brief scores: Afghanistan 259/4 (I. Ahmadzai 86 not out, S. Safi 73; K. Tambe 1/25). India 262/6 (H. Singh 65; R Bawa 43 not out; N. Ahmed 4/43). India won by 4 wickets.