Aaryavir Sehwag, son of former India batting great Virender Sehwag, produced a remarkable batting performance on Tuesday, November 10, smashing a magnificent 160 against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the U19 Asia Cup 2026. His commanding knock helped India regain momentum after their disappointing defeat against Pakistan in their previous match.
Batting on a challenging surface that offered assistance to both seamers and spinners, the young opener displayed impressive composure and maturity. Rather than rushing into attacking shots, Aaryavir carefully assessed the conditions before gradually taking control of the innings.
India found stability through Sehwag, who negotiated a difficult opening spell when the ball was seaming and keeping low. He brought up his half-century in 69 deliveries, laying a solid foundation for the innings.
As the pitch became easier for batting, Sehwag began expanding his range of strokes and increased the scoring rate. He was particularly aggressive against the UAE spinners, using his feet effectively and taking advantage of loose deliveries.
The youngster completed his century in 131 balls with a single towards square leg. Once past the milestone, he shifted gears and put the UAE bowling attack under considerable pressure.
One of the highlights of his innings came against left-arm wrist-spinner Uddish Suri in the 38th over, when Sehwag smashed 21 runs, accelerating India’s scoring after a cautious start.
He continued his attacking approach and brought up his 150 in the 42nd over with a lofted on-drive over long-on. The landmark came off 160 deliveries.
At the other end, VK Vineeth provided valuable support, registering a composed half-century off 60 balls and helping India strengthen their position.
Sehwag’s outstanding innings eventually ended in the 45th over when he attempted to clear midwicket against medium pacer Naseem Khan but was caught inside the circle. India were then at 255.
The 17-year-old finished with 160 runs from 160 balls, striking 17 boundaries and seven sixes. His knock also made him the highest individual run-scorer of the ongoing edition of the tournament.
A Different Batting Style from Father Virender Sehwag
Despite earning comparisons with his famous father and being popularly referred to as ‘Baby Sehwag’, Aaryavir displayed a noticeably different approach at the crease.
While Virender Sehwag was renowned for his fearless strokeplay, exceptional hand-eye coordination and aggressive ‘stand-and-deliver’ batting style, Aaryavir showed a more traditional approach to opening the innings.
The youngster focused on spending time at the crease, absorbing pressure and understanding the conditions before launching his attacking game. His effective footwork, ability to use the depth of the crease and confidence against spin bowling stood out during the innings.
He also demonstrated a wide range of strokes against slower bowlers, frequently disrupting their lengths through calculated aggression.
A Timely Boost for India
Aaryavir’s century came at an important moment for the Indian team, which was looking to recover from its previous setback against Pakistan in the U19 Asia Cup.
His composed yet attacking performance provided India with the stability and momentum they needed against the UAE.
Although his batting style differs from that of his legendary father, the young opener demonstrated that he possesses the temperament and stroke-making ability to produce match-defining performances at the junior international level.