Afghanistan A stunned India A in the tri-series match. After managing to beat Sri Lanka A in the opening match, India failed to go past the rival team at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Thursday, June 11.
Afghanistan A were fearless in their approach in a run-chase, sealing a famous win by four runs via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method. The result of the game has opened the bilateral assignment, with Tilak Varma’s side now securing one win and one defeat from their two matches.
Sent in to bat first under cloudy skies, India A posted 349 for 9 in 49 overs. India’s wicketkeeper Prabhsimran Singh scored 84 in 69 balls and added important runs with Ruturaj Gaikwad, who accumulated 66. Captain Tilak Varma amassed 66.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gave a good start to the team, scoring 44 off a mere 22 deliveries. Sooryavanshi didn’t go for sixes and hit just one maximum, demonstrating his mature side.
Afghanistan’s medium-pacer Abdullah Ahmadzai was the pick of the bowlers for his side, taking 5 wickets for 68 runs.
Heavy rainfall impacted the complexion of the game. The target was recalculated via the DLS method, with Afghanistan needing 294 runs from 38 overs.
Indian bowlers conceded runs at an alarming rate and struggled on the damp surface, failing to exploit the conditions.
Afghanistan’s opener Hassan Eisakhil was brilliant, adding 35 runs to the total. Following Eisakhil’s departure, captain Imran Mir took control of the proceedings. He remained unbeaten on 75 and kept the asking run rate within reach. He stitched a match-winning stand with Bahir Shah, with the two posting an unbroken century partnership.
Left-arm seamer Arshad Khan, who sent back Hassan Eisakhil, was wayward and was hit for boundaries.
When Captain Tilak Varma gave the ball to the slow bowlers, they remained ineffective.
Anukul Roy claimed the scalp of Khalid Taniwal, but it didn’t give any respite to India A.
Vipraj Nigam found no help from the wicket, and his LBW appeal against Bahir Shah was turned down. Fast bowlers Anshul Kamboj and Yash Thakur were off the mark.
The defensive field placements allowed the Afghan batter to score freely. Afghanistan were 177 for 2 in 25.5 overs when the rain started once more, forcing the umpires to suspend play.
Afghanistan were ahead by 4 runs when the DLS par score was calculated. With the downpour showing no signs of slowing down, Afghanistan won the game by 4 runs.
India A now need a win against Sri Lanka A in their next match. They will face the host nation on June 15, and the outcome will influence their chances of making it to the final of the tri-series.
Brief Score
India A 349/9 in 49 overs (Prabhsimran Singh 84, Ruturaj Gaikwad 66, Tilak Varma 66, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 44) lost to Afghanistan A 177/2 in 25.5 overs (Imran 75 not out, Bashir Shah 51 not out) via DLS method
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