India A played against Afghanistan A in a tri-series match in Dambulla, Sri Lanka. The Indian batting lineup performed well and scored a big total, but rain affected the chase and Afghanistan A eventually won the match by four runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.
The innings began with a quick start from 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The young opener attacked from the beginning and hit several boundaries through the off-side. India A reached 50 runs in less than five overs. Sooryavanshi made 44 runs from just 22 balls before he was caught behind off Abdollah Ahmadzai.
After his dismissal, Prabhsimran Singh continued the momentum. He started carefully and then accelerated through the middle overs. Prabhsimran reached his half-century in 39 balls and played many attractive drives. He built an important partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad that pushed India A into a strong position. Prabhsimran was eventually dismissed for 84 while attempting a paddle-scoop shot.
Gaikwad, who had scored a century in the previous match, played a more controlled innings. He rotated the strike well and supported Prabhsimran during their partnership. Gaikwad also completed a half-century before getting out while trying to increase the scoring rate.
Captain Tilak Varma then took charge. He scored another fifty and kept the innings moving. Contributions from Suryansh Shedge and Anukul Roy in the final overs helped India A finish on 349 for 9 in 49 overs, a total that looked strong enough to defend.
Rain interrupted the match before Afghanistan A began their chase. Because of the delay, the target was revised to 294 runs in 38 overs under the DLS system.
Afghanistan A got off to a positive start. Hassan Eisakhil scored quickly, and captain Imran anchored the innings. India A found it difficult to build pressure with the ball. Arshad Khan dismissed Eisakhil after the opener made 34, while Anukul Roy removed Khalid Taniwal.
Despite those wickets, Imran and Bahir Shah kept Afghanistan A ahead of the required DLS score. Their unbeaten partnership proved crucial. Imran remained not out on 75, and Bahir Shah finished unbeaten on 51.
As rain returned and fading light stopped play, Afghanistan A were four runs ahead on the DLS calculation. That was enough to give them victory despite India A's strong batting performance.
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| Player | Performance |
|---|---|
| Prabhsimran Singh (India A) | 84 runs |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad (India A) | Half-century |
| Tilak Varma (India A) | Half-century |
| Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (India A) | 44 off 22 balls |
| Imran (Afghanistan A) | 75* (not out) |
| Bahir Shah (Afghanistan A) | 51* (not out) |
Match summary
India A posted a big total, but rain altered the target.
India A scored 349/9 in 49 overs.
Afghanistan A's target was revised to 294 in 38 overs because of rain.
Imran and Bahir Shah stayed unbeaten and kept their team ahead on DLS.
Afghanistan A won by four runs under the DLS method.
The result was disappointing for India A because three of their top batters made half-centuries and they scored nearly 350 runs. However, Afghanistan A adapted better to the revised target and took advantage of the weather interruption to secure the win.
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