India A vs Afghanistan A Highlights India A Storm Into Tri Series Final With 101 Run Win

India A vs Afghanistan A Highlights: India A Storm Into Tri Nation A Series Final With 101 Run Victory

India A produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Afghanistan A by 101 runs in the fifth match of the Tri Nation A Series in Sri Lanka 2026 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. The emphatic win not only helped India A bounce back from two narrow defeats but also secured their place in the tournament final.

Led by captain Tilak Varma, India A showcased their batting depth before their bowlers completed a clinical display to overpower Afghanistan A in a must-win encounter.

Scorecard

India A won by 101 runs

INDA

319/9(50)

AFGA

218(36.5)

Priyansh Arya and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Provide Flying Start

After Afghanistan A won the toss and elected to bowl first, India A's young opening pair of Priyansh Arya and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi came out with aggressive intent.

The duo added 75 runs for the opening wicket in just eight overs, immediately putting pressure on the Afghan bowlers. Priyansh Arya played a sparkling knock of 58 runs from only 42 balls, smashing nine boundaries and a six. His fearless stroke play set the tone for the innings.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continued his attacking approach with a brisk 38 off 28 deliveries, including four boundaries and two sixes. Their explosive partnership ensured India A dominated the Powerplay, scoring 91 runs in the first ten overs.

Tilak Varma and Kumar Kushagra Build the Foundation

Following the early wickets of Arya, Sooryavanshi and Ruturaj Gaikwad, captain Tilak Varma took control of the innings. The left-hander played a mature knock of 59 from 75 balls, balancing aggression with responsibility.

Tilak found excellent support from wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra, who continued his impressive form with a well-crafted 58 from 67 deliveries. The pair stitched together a crucial 104-run partnership for the fourth wicket that completely shifted the momentum in India's favour.

Their partnership ensured India A remained on track for a massive total despite Afghanistan A picking up wickets at regular intervals.

Vipraj Nigam Provides Late Fireworks

As the innings entered the final overs, Vipraj Nigam injected fresh momentum into the scoring rate. The all-rounder hammered 30 runs off just 20 balls and helped India A cross the 300-run mark.

Nishant Sindhu remained unbeaten on 21 as India A posted a formidable 319 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs.

For Afghanistan A, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Abdullah Ahmadzai and Farmanullah Safi claimed two wickets each, but they struggled to contain India's strong batting lineup.

Bowlers Complete Comprehensive Victory

Defending 320 was always going to be challenging, and India A's bowlers responded brilliantly by maintaining pressure throughout the chase.

The Afghan batters never managed to build substantial partnerships as India A's bowling unit kept striking at regular intervals. The disciplined attack ensured Afghanistan A remained well behind the required run rate from the outset.

India A's fielding was equally impressive, supporting the bowlers with sharp catching and energetic work inside the ring.

The result eventually turned into a one-sided affair as Afghanistan A were bowled out well short of the target, handing India A a convincing 101-run victory.

India A March Into The Final

After suffering heartbreak against both Afghanistan A and Sri Lanka A earlier in the competition, India A delivered their most complete performance when it mattered most.

The victory highlighted the depth of talent within the squad, with contributions from experienced players and emerging stars alike. Priyansh Arya, Tilak Varma, Kumar Kushagra and Vipraj Nigam all played key roles in the batting effort, while the bowling unit executed their plans perfectly.

With momentum now firmly on their side, India A will head into the Tri Nation A Series Final full of confidence and belief as they chase tournament glory in Sri Lanka.