Afghanistan A Advances to Final with 20-Run Victory Over India A
In an exhilarating showdown at the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup, Afghanistan A secured a 20-run victory over India A, advancing to the final after a powerful batting and strategic bowling performance. Opting to bat first, Afghanistan A set a solid target of 206 runs, which India A fell short of, closing their innings at 186 for 7.
Afghanistan A’s Commanding Innings
Afghanistan A started strong, with openers Zubaid Akbari and Sediqullah Atal building an impressive 137-run partnership. Akbari scored a steady 64 off 41 balls, while Atal top-scored with 83 from 52 deliveries, propelling the team forward with consistent boundaries.
Karim Janat’s brisk 41 off 20 balls further bolstered the innings. Rasikh Salam stood out among India’s bowlers, taking 3 for 25 and containing Afghanistan’s run rate in key moments.
Despite quick dismissals toward the end, Afghanistan A wrapped up their innings at 206 for 4 with a run rate of 10.3.
India A’s Response and Fight
India A faced a challenging target and a strong Afghanistan bowling lineup. Wickets fell consistently, with the top order struggling to build lasting partnerships. Ramandeep Singh emerged as a top scorer for India with a spirited 64 off 34 balls, keeping the team’s hopes alive until the final overs.
Nishant Sindhu contributed a valuable 23 from 13 balls, but Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling, led by Allah Ghazanfar (2 for 14) and Abdul Rahman (2 for 32), held India A back, sealing Afghanistan’s place in the final.
Key Moments and Turning Points
Afghanistan A’s solid opening partnership and disciplined bowling in the middle overs were crucial. Despite Ramandeep Singh’s aggressive efforts, India A’s batting lineup struggled to maintain the required run rate, ultimately falling short by 20 runs.
Afghanistan A will now prepare for the final, where they will meet the winner of the other semi-final match. The ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup final promises to be an exciting conclusion to the tournament.
