Sri Lanka A vs Afghanistan A Highlights | Match 2 | Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup

Afghanistan A secured a thrilling 11-run victory over Sri Lanka A in the second match of the Group A stage of the ACC Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024, held at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground. The match witnessed some brilliant individual performances on both sides, with Afghanistan A ultimately defending their total of 166 to triumph over the Sri Lankans.

Afghanistan A's Competitive Total

After winning the toss, Sri Lanka A captain Nuwanidu Fernando opted to bowl first, putting Afghanistan A in to bat. The Afghan innings was powered by a dynamic 57 from opener Zubaid Akbari, who struck four boundaries and three sixes in his 54-ball knock. Sediqullah Atal provided crucial support with a blistering 34 off just 18 deliveries, including six boundaries and two sixes, as Afghanistan A posted a competitive 166/7 in their allotted 20 overs.

Sri Lanka A's bowlers had moments of success, particularly Dushan Hemantha, who claimed four wickets while conceding only 36 runs in his four overs. Hemantha was instrumental in dismantling Afghanistan's middle order, including captain Darwish Rasooli (3), Karim Janat (0), and Mohammad Ishaq (1). However, despite these efforts, Afghanistan A's lower-order contributions, including a composed 12 not out by Sharafuddin Ashraf, helped them reach a challenging total.

Sri Lanka A's Response: A Spirited Chase Falls Short

Chasing 167 for victory, Sri Lanka A got off to a shaky start, losing Lahiru Udara for just 6 in the second over, bowled by Allah Ghazanfar. Opener Yashodha Lanka played a confident knock, scoring 15 off 12 balls, but his dismissal in the seventh over shifted the momentum towards Afghanistan.

Sri Lanka A captain Nuwanidu Fernando kept the chase alive with a fighting 51 off 32 balls, hitting three boundaries and three sixes. His impressive strike rate of 159.38 kept his side in contention. However, Afghanistan A's bowling unit, led by Faridoon Dawoodzai (3/40), struck at regular intervals to slow down the run rate.

As wickets tumbled, Sri Lanka's middle order faltered. Pawan Rathnayake (12) and Sahan Arachchige (13) were dismissed cheaply, and the pressure mounted on the lower order. Ahan Wickramasinghe briefly reignited hopes with a quick 31 off 18 balls, but his dismissal in the 18th over, followed by a late collapse, saw Sri Lanka A bowled out for 155 in 19.3 overs.

Key Bowling Performances

Afghanistan A's bowlers showed great composure under pressure. Bilal Sami and Allah Ghazanfar were the standout performers, each taking two wickets. Sami's 2/19 in 3.3 overs was particularly effective in the death overs, while Ghazanfar's early breakthroughs set the tone for Afghanistan A’s defense.

Sharafuddin Ashraf also played a crucial role with his economical figures of 1/20 from four overs, stifling the Sri Lankan middle order and keeping the asking rate high.

The turning point of the match was the 17th over when Afghanistan A picked up three quick wickets, reducing Sri Lanka A from 141/6 to 155 all out. The dismissal of Fernando, who was run out by wicketkeeper Mohammad Ishaq, proved to be the decisive moment in the game, as Sri Lanka A's chase unraveled shortly thereafter.

Afghanistan A’s 11-run win in this tightly contested match keeps them in contention in the group stage, while Sri Lanka A will need to bounce back in their next fixture. Afghanistan A’s bowlers, led by Dawoodzai and Sami, showed great discipline, while Sri Lanka A will reflect on their inability to capitalize on starts from key players.

Score Summary:

Afghanistan A: 166/7 in 20 overs (Zubaid Akbari 57, Sediqullah Atal 34; Dushan Hemantha 4/36)
Sri Lanka A: 155 all out in 19.3 overs (Nuwanidu Fernando 51, Ahan Wickramasinghe 31; Faridoon Dawoodzai 3/40, Bilal Sami 2/19)

Afghanistan A won by 11 runs.