Afghanistan A held their nerve in a rain-affected contest to register a dramatic four-run (DLS Method) victory over India A in the second match of the Tri-Nation A Series in Sri Lanka on Thursday.
Despite a strong batting effort from India A, Afghanistan A produced a disciplined all-round performance and were well ahead of the required DLS target when rain brought an early end to their chase. Afghanistan A vs India A
India A Post Competitive 349/9
After being put into bat, India A piled up an imposing 349/9 in 49 overs, thanks to several valuable contributions throughout the batting order.
Wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh provided an explosive start, smashing 84 runs off 69 balls, including 14 boundaries. Young sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi continued his impressive form with a rapid 44 from just 22 deliveries, setting the tone for a big total.
Middle-order batters Ruturaj Gaikwad and captain Tilak Varma then anchored the innings superbly. Both scored 66 runs, ensuring India A maintained momentum through the middle overs. While Gaikwad’s innings was built on patience and timing, Tilak combined responsibility with aggression to keep the scoreboard moving.
Late cameos from Suryansh Shedge (40 off 27) and Anukul Roy (16 off 8) added crucial runs in the death overs, helping India A reach what appeared to be a commanding total.
For Afghanistan A, Abdullah Ahmadzai was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 5 wickets for 68 runs. Farmanullah Safi chipped in with three wickets, preventing India A from crossing the 370-run mark.
Afghanistan A Respond with Confidence
Chasing a revised target under overcast conditions, Afghanistan A showed remarkable composure. Afghanistan A vs India A
Captain Imran Mir led from the front with an unbeaten 75 off 70 balls, mixing caution with calculated aggression. He found an excellent partner in Bahir Shah, who remained unbeaten on 51 from 52 deliveries. Earlier, Hassan Eisakhil played a lively knock of 34 off 29 balls, helping Afghanistan A gain early momentum before rain interrupted proceedings.
At the time play was halted, Afghanistan A had reached 177/2 in 25.5 overs, placing them four runs ahead of the DLS par score and securing a memorable victory.
India A Bowlers Struggle for Breakthroughs
India A’s bowling attack found it difficult to build sustained pressure on a batting-friendly surface.
Arshad Khan and Anukul Roy picked up a wicket each, while the rest of the attack struggled to make significant inroads as Afghanistan’s top order controlled the chase effectively.
Player of the Match
Afghanistan A skipper Imran Mir was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 75-run innings that guided his side into a winning position before rain intervened. Afghanistan A vs India A
Match Summary
India A: 349/9 (49 overs)
- Prabhsimran Singh 84 (69)
- Ruturaj Gaikwad 66 (80)
- Tilak Varma 66 (73)
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi 44 (22)
- Suryansh Shedge 40 (27)
- Abdullah Ahmadzai 5/68
Afghanistan A: 177/2 (25.5 overs)
- Imran Mir 75* (70)
- Bahir Shah 51* (52)
- Hassan Eisakhil 34 (29)
- Arshad Khan 1 wicket
- Anukul Roy 1 wicket
Result: Afghanistan A won by 4 runs (DLS Method).
The victory gives Afghanistan A a significant boost in the Tri-Nation A Series and once again highlights the growing depth and talent emerging from the country’s cricket system. India A, meanwhile, will look to bounce back quickly in their next fixture despite posting a formidable total with the bat.
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