In the second semi-final of the Emerging Teams Asia Cup, Afghanistan A defeated India A by 20 runs to secure a place in the final. The match took place on Friday at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1). Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first, scoring 206 runs for the loss of four wickets in their 20 overs. In response, the Indian team could only manage 186 runs for seven wickets in their allotted 20 overs. For India, Ramandeep Singh was the top scorer with 64 runs.
Chasing a target of 207, India A had a poor start as both openers returned to the pavilion during the powerplay. Abhishek Sharma scored 7, while Prabhsimran made 19. Captain Tilak Varma was dismissed for 16 runs off 14 balls. Nehal Wadhera scored 20 off 14 balls, and Ayush Badoni contributed 31 off 24 balls before getting out.
Afghanistan set the highest total of the tournament so far with their 206/4. The Afghan openers provided a fantastic start, scoring 61 runs in the powerplay. There was a 137-run partnership between Sediqullah Atal and Zubaid Akbari for the first wicket. Akbari was dismissed after scoring 64 runs off 41 balls, while Sediqullah Atal scored 83 off 52 balls. Captain Darwish Rasooli was bowled without scoring, and Rasikh clean-bowled both him and Atal. Karim Janat scored 41 off 20 balls before being dismissed in the final over.
Afghanistan A will face Sri Lanka in the final on Sunday. Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in the first semi-final.
India A vs Afghanistan A Semi Final Totals
IND – 186/7
AFG – 206/4