India A vs Afghanistan A highlights, Tri Nation A Series: Afghanistan A pulled off a memorable four-run victory over a star-studde...
India A vs Afghanistan A highlights, Tri Nation A Series: Afghanistan A pulled off a memorable four-run victory over a star-studded India A side via the DLS method in the One-Day Tri-Series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Thursday.
Despite posting a formidable 349 for nine in a rain-curtailed 49-over innings, India A were left disappointed as Afghanistan A stayed ahead of the DLS par score when rain brought an early end to the chase.
The defeat came after impressive batting performances from captain Tilak Varma, vice-captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and opener Prabhsimran Singh, all of whom struck half-centuries to propel India to a daunting total.
India got off to a flying start through teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who blasted 44 off just 22 balls, peppering the boundary with nine fours. The left-hander and Prabhsimran put on 74 runs for the opening wicket in only 7.1 overs, laying the foundation for a massive score.
Sooryavanshi's entertaining knock ended when he attempted a ramp shot against Abdollah Ahmadzai and edged behind to wicketkeeper Mohammad Ishaq. Ahmadzai emerged as Afghanistan's standout bowler with figures of 5/68.
Prabhsimran continued the assault, making 84 off 69 deliveries before falling agonisingly short of a century. Alongside Gaikwad, he added 79 runs for the third wicket. Gaikwad then combined with Tilak in a 78-run stand for the fourth wicket as both batters registered their second successive fifty-plus scores in the tournament.
India suffered a brief wobble when Gaikwad and Ayush Badoni were dismissed off successive deliveries by Farmanullah Safi, slipping from 245/3 to 245/5. However, Tilak found support from Suryansh Shedge, whose brisk 40 off 27 balls helped India surge beyond the 300-run mark. The pair added 70 runs for the sixth wicket in just seven overs.
Rain continued to disrupt proceedings throughout the day. The match was initially reduced to 49 overs per side before further showers ahead of the chase revised Afghanistan A's target to 294 in 38 overs.
Afghanistan A responded strongly, led by captain Imran Mir, who anchored the chase and kept his side in the hunt despite the interruptions. A crucial century partnership helped Afghanistan stay ahead of the required DLS rate, and when rain returned once again, they were four runs ahead of the par score, sealing a famous win.
Named Player of the Match, Afghanistan A captain Imran credited the team's belief and positive approach.
"It was our first match, and we played natural cricket. Believed in myself and the team for the run chase," he said.
India A captain Tilak Varma admitted that the rain-affected conditions and DLS calculations ultimately worked against his side.
"We batted well. But unfortunately, the way DLS works... Afghanistan A batted well but at the same time we thought chasing 294 in 38 overs was going to be tough. Bowling isn't a concern, but we'll go back to the drawing board. Our goal is to win the next couple of games and make the final," Tilak said.
Despite posting a formidable 349 for nine in a rain-curtailed 49-over innings, India A were left disappointed as Afghanistan A stayed ahead of the DLS par score when rain brought an early end to the chase.
The defeat came after impressive batting performances from captain Tilak Varma, vice-captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and opener Prabhsimran Singh, all of whom struck half-centuries to propel India to a daunting total.
India got off to a flying start through teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who blasted 44 off just 22 balls, peppering the boundary with nine fours. The left-hander and Prabhsimran put on 74 runs for the opening wicket in only 7.1 overs, laying the foundation for a massive score.
Sooryavanshi's entertaining knock ended when he attempted a ramp shot against Abdollah Ahmadzai and edged behind to wicketkeeper Mohammad Ishaq. Ahmadzai emerged as Afghanistan's standout bowler with figures of 5/68.
Prabhsimran continued the assault, making 84 off 69 deliveries before falling agonisingly short of a century. Alongside Gaikwad, he added 79 runs for the third wicket. Gaikwad then combined with Tilak in a 78-run stand for the fourth wicket as both batters registered their second successive fifty-plus scores in the tournament.
India suffered a brief wobble when Gaikwad and Ayush Badoni were dismissed off successive deliveries by Farmanullah Safi, slipping from 245/3 to 245/5. However, Tilak found support from Suryansh Shedge, whose brisk 40 off 27 balls helped India surge beyond the 300-run mark. The pair added 70 runs for the sixth wicket in just seven overs.
Rain continued to disrupt proceedings throughout the day. The match was initially reduced to 49 overs per side before further showers ahead of the chase revised Afghanistan A's target to 294 in 38 overs.
Afghanistan A responded strongly, led by captain Imran Mir, who anchored the chase and kept his side in the hunt despite the interruptions. A crucial century partnership helped Afghanistan stay ahead of the required DLS rate, and when rain returned once again, they were four runs ahead of the par score, sealing a famous win.
Named Player of the Match, Afghanistan A captain Imran credited the team's belief and positive approach.
"It was our first match, and we played natural cricket. Believed in myself and the team for the run chase," he said.
India A captain Tilak Varma admitted that the rain-affected conditions and DLS calculations ultimately worked against his side.
"We batted well. But unfortunately, the way DLS works... Afghanistan A batted well but at the same time we thought chasing 294 in 38 overs was going to be tough. Bowling isn't a concern, but we'll go back to the drawing board. Our goal is to win the next couple of games and make the final," Tilak said.