India A vs Afghanistan A Highlights | Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup | Semi-Final 2

Courtesy: Asian Cricket Council

Afghanistan A Triumphs Over India A by 20 Runs to Reach ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup Final

In an electrifying Semi-Final clash of the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024, Afghanistan A secured a 20-run victory over India A, showcasing a powerful batting display that saw them post an impressive total of 206. Despite spirited efforts by India A, they fell short in their chase, closing at 186/7 after 20 overs. The game, held at Al Amerat Cricket Ground, Al Amerat, was highlighted by remarkable performances, with Sediqullah Atal named Player of the Match for his pivotal 83-run innings.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Afghanistan A capitalized on the decision, scoring 206/4 in their allotted 20 overs. The opening pair of Zubaid Akbari and Sediqullah Atal laid a solid foundation with aggressive strokes. Akbari scored a quickfire 64 off 41 balls, including four boundaries and five sixes, showcasing a strike rate of 156.10. Atal, however, stole the spotlight, hammering 83 off 52 deliveries with seven fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 159.62, anchoring the innings with composure and power.

Karim Janat further accelerated the scoring with an explosive cameo, smashing 41 runs off just 20 balls at a stunning strike rate of 205.00. India A’s bowlers struggled to contain the runs, with only Rasikh Salam managing breakthroughs, taking 2/30 in his four overs. However, Afghanistan A’s relentless batting saw them to a formidable 206/4 by the end of their innings.

Chasing 207 for a spot in the final, India A began with a glimmer of hope as Prabhsimran Singh (19 off 13) and Abhishek Sharma (7 off 5) tried to set the tone. However, Afghanistan A’s bowlers struck early, with Allah Ghazanfar removing both openers to leave India at 25/1 and 40/2.

Captain Tilak Varma (16 off 14) and Nehal Wadhera (20 off 14) tried to rebuild, but wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, with India losing their top four within the first 10 overs. India’s middle-order batsman Ramandeep Singh provided some hope with a fighting 43 off 24 balls, striking three sixes and four boundaries at a strike rate of 188.24. But his dismissal in the final over sealed India A's fate.

Afghanistan A’s bowling attack, led by Allah Ghazanfar (2/14) and Abdul Rahman (2/32), successfully contained the Indian batsmen, maintaining a tight economy and picking up crucial wickets in the middle overs. Sharafuddin Ashraf also contributed, taking 1/13 in his two overs, and was instrumental in slowing India’s scoring rate as they approached the death overs.

Afghanistan A: 206/4 (20 Overs)

• Top Scorers: Sediqullah Atal 83 (52), Zubaid Akbari 64 (41), Karim Janat 41 (20)
• Best Bowlers (India A): Rasikh Salam 2/30, Aaqib Khan 1/48

India A: 186/7 (20 Overs)

• Top Scorers: Ramandeep Singh 43 (24), Nehal Wadhera 20 (14), Prabhsimran Singh 19 (13)
• Best Bowlers (Afghanistan A): Allah Ghazanfar 2/14, Abdul Rahman 2/32, Sharafuddin Ashraf 1/13

Result: Afghanistan A won by 20 runs
Player of the Match: Sediqullah Atal (83 off 52 balls)

Sediqullah Atal was awarded Player of the Match for his brilliant 83 off 52, a knock that helped Afghanistan A post a commanding total. His powerful hitting and strike rate of nearly 160 set the stage for Afghanistan's victory and showcased his ability to perform in high-stakes matches.

With this victory, Afghanistan A advances to the final of the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024, setting up an eagerly awaited title clash. Their performance against India A reflects the depth and talent in Afghanistan’s emerging cricket pool, signaling a promising future for Afghan cricket on the international stage.

Despite the loss, India A's spirited campaign has drawn attention to emerging players, many of whom are poised for greater opportunities in Indian cricket. Fans look forward to seeing these players make an impact in future tournaments as India A bids farewell to this year’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup.