Dambulla: India A produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Afghanistan A by 101 runs and secure a place in the final of the tri-series in Dambulla on Wednesday. Led by a composed half-century from captain Tilak Varma and a clinical bowling display spearheaded by Nishant Sindhu, the defending champions bounced back strongly after their disappointing defeat to Sri Lanka A earlier in the tournament.
The victory lifted India A to the top of the points table with four points and a superior net run rate, ensuring qualification for Sunday’s final irrespective of the outcome of the remaining league fixture.
Tilak leads from the front after criticism
Coming into the crucial encounter, India A were under pressure following a dramatic Super Over loss to Sri Lanka A. Captain Tilak Varma had faced criticism for his animated exchanges with umpires during that match, while young opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was also under scrutiny after an on-field altercation.
However, both players responded positively as India A delivered a disciplined and focused performance when it mattered most.
Tilak played a captain’s innings of 59 runs, guiding the middle order through a challenging phase before marshalling his bowlers effectively during Afghanistan’s chase.
Explosive start from openers
After being asked to bat first, India A made an aggressive start through Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Priyansh Arya.
The pair raced to 75 runs within the opening eight overs, immediately putting pressure on the Afghan bowling attack.
Sooryavanshi looked in excellent touch, striking boundaries with confidence and displaying the fearless approach that has made him one of the tournament’s most exciting young talents. His innings ended on 38 when he mistimed a pull shot and was caught off Faridoon Dawoodzai.
Arya continued the assault and reached his half-century in just 29 deliveries. The left-hander eventually departed for a brisk 58 after providing India A with a strong foundation.
Tilak and Kushagra steady the innings
As the pitch slowed considerably, scoring became more difficult for the batters.
Vice-captain Ruturaj Gaikwad attempted to rebuild alongside Tilak Varma but was dismissed for 30 after being adjudged caught behind.
Tilak then assumed responsibility for anchoring the innings. He combined with wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra in a crucial 104-run partnership that stabilised the innings.
Kushagra contributed a valuable 58, while Tilak’s measured 59 from 67 deliveries ensured India maintained momentum despite challenging batting conditions.
Towards the end of the innings, Vipraj Nigam provided a late flourish with a quickfire 30 off 20 balls, helping India A reach a formidable total of 319 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs.
Afghanistan lose early wickets
Chasing 320 for victory, Afghanistan A struggled to build momentum after losing wickets at regular intervals.
Yash Thakur provided the breakthrough by dismissing Hassan Eisakhil, while Anshul Kamboj removed Khalid Taniwal soon afterwards.
The pressure increased further when all-rounder Nishant Sindhu dismissed captain Imran Mir, leaving Afghanistan in early trouble.
India’s bowlers maintained disciplined lines and lengths, preventing the opposition from establishing meaningful partnerships during the chase.
Bahir Shah fights lone battle
Afghanistan A found some resistance through Bahir Shah and Faisal Shinozada.
The pair added 87 runs for a key partnership that briefly revived hopes of a successful chase. Shah played aggressively to score 57 from 52 deliveries, while Shinozada contributed a fighting 46.
However, once both batters were dismissed, Afghanistan’s innings quickly lost direction.
India’s bowlers tightened their grip and exposed the lower order, ensuring there would be no late comeback.
Nishant Sindhu shines with the ball
The standout performer with the ball was Nishant Sindhu, who produced a match-winning spell.
The left-arm spinner claimed four wickets for 31 runs in 6.5 overs, dismantling Afghanistan’s middle and lower order.
His breakthroughs effectively ended any hopes of a recovery and highlighted his growing importance within the India A setup.
Thakur finished with two wickets, while Kamboj, Suryansh Shedge, Anukul Roy and Vipraj Nigam also chipped in with a wicket each.
Afghanistan A were eventually bowled out for 218 in 36.5 overs, handing India A a convincing 101-run victory.
India A secure final berth
The emphatic win not only restored confidence within the squad but also guaranteed India A’s place in the tournament final.
With four points and a healthy net run rate of 0.597, India A have secured qualification regardless of the result between Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A.
Afghanistan A, currently at the bottom of the standings, remain mathematically unable to overtake India due to their significantly inferior net run rate.
The victory also demonstrated the team’s resilience after recent setbacks and reinforced their status as one of the strongest sides in the competition.
Conclusion
India A responded to adversity in impressive fashion, producing a complete performance to defeat Afghanistan A and book their place in the tri-series final. Led by Tilak Varma’s composed leadership, supported by strong contributions from Priyansh Arya, Kumar Kushagra and Nishant Sindhu, the defending champions now head into the final with renewed confidence and momentum.
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