India A posted a formidable 349/9 after being asked to bat first in the rain-shortened 49-over contest. Despite the green tinge on the surface and both captains expecting assistance for the seamers, India A came out all guns blazing.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gave them a flying start with a 22-ball 44, while Prabhsimran Singh kept the pressure on Afghanistan A with a brisk 84 before falling short of what looked like a certain hundred. After Priyansh Arya’s early exit, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Tilak Varma steadied the innings and built another crucial partnership, batting with control while keeping the scoreboard moving.
India A reached 50 in 4.5 overs, 100 in 11.1 overs and never really took their foot off the pedal. Gaikwad made 66, Tilak added a well-crafted 66, and the finishing touches came from Suryansh Shedge and Anukul Roy, who ensured India A finished strongly.
Afghanistan A struck back at regular intervals through Abdollah Ahmadzai’s five-wicket haul and Farmanullah Safi’s three wickets, but the damage had already been done. At the halfway stage, India A will be pleased with a total that puts them in a strong position.
LIVE SCORE: IND A vs AFG A: India (349/9 in 49 ov) in tri-series match. Prabhsimran (84), Tilak (66)