MUSCAT : In a game filled with high hopes for India A, led by Tilak Varma, Afghanistan A’s disciplined batting and bowling clinched them a spot in the final against Sri Lanka A.

The match began with Afghanistan winning the toss and choosing to bat first. Openers Sediqullah Atal and Zubair got off to a robust start, with both batsmen contributing quick runs and putting early pressure on the Indian bowling squad. By the end of the powerplay, Afghanistan A was comfortably positioned at 53 without loss, with Sediqullah scoring 28 off 16 balls and Zubair adding 25 off 18. The Indian bowlers struggled to find their rhythm, and Afghanistan set a solid foundation for the game.

India A’s response began with Prabhsimran and Abhishek Sharma taking the crease, but Afghan bowler Abdul Rahman soon made his mark by dismissing the Indian captain, Tilak Varma, for 16 runs. This early loss was just the start of a series of setbacks for India, as Abdul Rahman’s bowling continued to slice through the batting order.

One critical blow came with the run-out of Nishant Sindhu, who managed a spirited 23 off 13 balls before a miscommunication left him short of the crease. As India A continued to lose wickets rapidly, hopes for a comeback dwindled, leaving the Afghan Abdalyan firmly in control and advancing to the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup final by beating the blues by 21 runs.

Afghanistan A’s victory over India A secures their spot against Sri Lanka A in the championship match, where they will now seek to take the title on Sunday.

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