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In a gripping encounter at the Oman Cricket Academy Ground, Afghanistan A edged out India A by 20 runs, securing their place in the final of the Emerging Teams Asia Cup T20 tournament. Despite a valiant effort from Ramandeep Singh, whose half-century was not enough to steer India A to victory, Afghanistan’s clinical performance showcased their potential on the international stage.
Dominant Afghanistan sets the pace
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Afghanistan A laid a solid foundation with a remarkable opening partnership of 137 runs between Sediqullah Atal and Zubaid Akbari. Atal scored an impressive 83 runs off just 52 balls, while Akbari contributed 64 off 41 deliveries. Their aggressive batting dismantled the Indian bowling attack, propelling Afghanistan to a formidable total of 206/🍃4, the highest score of the tournament thus far.
The powerplay saw Afghanistan race to 61 runs without loss, as both openers found their rhythm early. Zubaid’s innings included four sixes and five fours, while Atal matched his aggression with four sixes and seven boundaries. Following their dismissals, Karim Janat added a brisk 41🐻 run🅘s off 20 balls, maintaining the momentum for Afghanistan.
However, it was Rasikh Salam who turned the tide for India with a stellar bowling performance. He claimed three crucial wickets, including two in consecutive deliveries during the death overs, which briefly halted Afghanistan’s scoring spree.
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India A’s rocky chase to the big total
In response, India A faced an uphill battle from the outset. They stumbled early, losing three wickets within the powerplay and finding themselves at 48/3 after just over five overs. The pressure mounted as Abhishek Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh, and captain Tilak Varma fell cheaply to Allah Mohammed Ghazanfar and Abdul Rahman.
Despite this shaky start, Ramandeep emerged as a beacon of hope for India A. He formed a crucial partnership with Nishant Sindhu, adding 68 runs in just 31 balls. Ramandeep’s aggressive knock of 64 runs off 34 balls reignited India’s hopes as they approached the final overs needing 53 runs from three overs. Unfortunately for India A, a critical moment arrived when Nishant was run out due to a miscommunication after scoring 23 runs off 13 balls. This dismissal shifted momentum back to Afghanistan as they tightened their grip on the match.
With India needing 30 runs in the last over, Rahman stepped up to defend the total for Afghanistan. The pressure was palpable 𓆏as Ramandeep managed to hit two boundaries but ultimately fell victim on the last ball of the match, leaving India stranded at 186/7.
The match concluded with Afghanistan celebrating a hard-fought victory that not only secured their place in the final against Sri Lanka A but also marked a significant achiev꧒ement in their cricketing journey.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
HISTORIC WIN FOR AFGHANISTAN A!
Defeat India A by 20 runs in Emerging Asia Cup semi-final. Zubaid Akbari (64) & Sediqullah Atal (83) shine. Ramandeep Singh's 64 off 34 in vain. Afghanistan A reach final, face Sri Lanka A!&m🙈dash; Muhammad Areeb Uddin Sheikh. #AreebCricketWorld (@areeb_7official)
History made in Oman. Afghanistan's emerging team beats India’s emerging team by 20 runs and secures a place in the finals of .
Special shoutout to our future stars & Zubair A𝕴hmad well 🤪done boys 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻— KHURRAMbgs (@khurrambgs)
"🚨 Afghanistan STUNS India in the Emerging Asia Cup 💛Semifinal! 🇦🇫💥
A dominant display from Afghanistan as they smash India in the semis. Total control, power, and skill – the new force in cricket? 👀🔥 "
— MR X (@Mrxx6602)
Afghanistan, has just Smashed India and found an easy way to the Fina💟ls 🇦🇫🏏 🏏
— ᴹᵃʳᵃʷᵃʳ 🇦🇫 (@Healthfreak00)
Rashid Khan extends his congratulations to Afghanistan 'A' for reaching the final of the Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 👏🏏
— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
Sediqullah Atal Is Some Player For Afghanistan. He Will be a Superstar For Afghanistan in Future. Classy And Stylish Player He Is. Delightful To Watcꦏh 👏 🦩
— Amir (@O_War_Jani_Dya)
History made in Oman. Afghanistan's emerging team beats India’s emerging team by 20 runs and secures a place in the finals of .
Special shoutout to our future stars & Zubair Ahmad well done boys♈ 👏�🀅�👏🏻👏🏻— Wazhma Ayoubi 🇦🇫 (@WazhmaAyoubi)
The Indian bowlers see♌m to have no answers for Afghan players Zubaid and Atal, who have been batting i🧜mpressively.
— Jafar Haand (@jafarhaand)
A massive victory for Afghanistan A against India A in the Emerging Asia Cup! Incredible performance, boys! 🎉👏🏼
Bring that trophy home 🏆— Mohamm꧃ad Akbar Karimzada (@Karimzada_091)
India A came close to the target but it's Afghanistan A who qualify for the final.
Scorecard ▶️ | | |
— BCCI (@BCCI)
