Afghanistan knock India out of Emerging Teams Cup; Bangladesh vs Pakistan tied

Afghanistan Emerging Team stunned the India U-23s by two wickets to move into the semifinals, while the match between Bangladesh and Pakistan ended in a tie

Afghanistan Emerging Team stunned the India Under-23s by two wickets in an ACC Emerging Teams Cup Group A match at Chittagong on Thursday to knock the latter out of the tournament.

Players of the Afghanistan Emerging Team celebrate an Indian wicket during the ACC Emerging Teams Cup Group A match on Thursday. (asiancricket.org)

Set a target of 243 runs to win, Afghanistan surpassed the total with two wickets and 21 balls to spare, with Aftab Alam finishing things off with a six as the Afghans finished on a total of 246/8.

The loss sees the Indian side bow out of the tournament in the group stage, despite finishing with the same number of points as Sri Lanka U-23 and Afghanistan U-23.

The Indians finished with a net run rate of +0.836, which was lower than Sri Lanka’s +1.367 and Afghanistan’s +0.956, both of whom have made it to the semis.

In response, Younas Ahmadzai and Samiullah Shenwari both smashed fifties to help their side cross over the line in a tense run-chase. Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Aamir Gani grabbed two wickets each for India.

In another match on Thursday, Bangladesh U-23 and Pakistan U-23 ended up with tied scores in a thrilling finish, as both teams progressed into the semifinals.

After posting a total of 233/8 from the fifty overs, Pakistan saw the hosts make an identical total in their chase.

Bangladesh senior team player Mominul Haque, who is captaining the U-23 side in the tournament, top-scored with 75 in the match held at Cox’s Bazar.

Pakistan have finished at the top of Group B following their win, with Bangladesh finishing second.

The semifinals will be held on April 1, and will see Sri Lanka facing Bangladesh and Afghanistan taking on Pakistan. The final of the tournament is scheduled for April 3.