Afghanistan A beats India A with 20-run victory, advances to emerging Asia Cup Final

Afghanistan A stunned India A with a thrilling 20-run victory in the semi-final of the ACC Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 in Oman on October 25. Led by a stellar 137-run opening stand between Zubaid Akbari and Sediqullah Atal, Afghanistan A posted an impressive 206/4. Akbari scored 64 off 41 balls, while Atal top-scored with 83 off 52 deliveries, giving Afghanistan a powerful start. This partnership laid a solid foundation, challenging India A’s bowling attack to restrict the flow of runs, with Rasikh Salam delivering a notable spell of 3/25.

Chasing 207, India A began well, with openers Abhishek Sharma and Prabhsimran Singh providing a promising start. However, momentum shifted quickly after Abhishek’s dismissal, which soon led to Prabhsimran’s wicket. Afghanistan A bowlers, especially Allah Ghazanfar and Abdul Rahman, capitalized on this opening, breaking India’s middle order. Ramandeep Singh mounted a late-game effort, scoring a resilient 64, but Afghanistan’s disciplined death bowling thwarted India’s chase. Abdul Rahman and Karim Janat held their nerve, sealing a final spot for Afghanistan against Sri Lanka A.

Afghanistan A’s decisive win not only propelled them to the finals but also showcased their growing competitiveness on the emerging Asia Cup stage. India A’s otherwise dominant tournament run ended with this defeat, leaving Afghanistan with renewed confidence heading into the final clash against Sri Lanka A.