IND A vs AFG A, Tri-Nation Series: India A qualify for Sunday's final with 101-run hammering of Afghanistan A

Ind A vs Afg A Tri-Nation Series; India A qualified for the final after a comprehensive win.

India A vs Afghanistan A Tri-Nation Series: India A put up a strong show to beat Afghanistan by 101 runs, and have secured a place in the final. India's net run rate is the best among all the three participating teams and hence, the Tilak Varma-led side sealed its place in the summit clash. Afghanistan A now need to beat Sri Lanka by a massive margin to qualify for the summit clash. Anything less, and India vs Sri Lanka would set up a blockbuster final, especially after what happened on Monday. India A posted 319 for 9 in their 50 overs, built on a crucial 104-run stand between Tilak Varma and Kumar Kushagra. Tilak struck his third half-century of the series, while Kushagra made a composed 58 off 67 balls.

Priyansh Arya also contributed a fluent fifty as India A looked set for a total well beyond 350. However, Afghanistan A hit back strongly in the closing stages, triggering a collapse after Kushagra’s dismissal and removing set batters at key moments, including Suryansh Shedge and Tilak Varma in the death overs.

In response, Afghanistan A started positively, with captain Imran Mir and Hassan Eisakhil showing early intent. Yash Thakur was expensive in his first over but recovered well, picking up the key wicket of Eisakhil. Afghanistan A then rebuilt through Bahir Shah and Faisal Shinozada, who added 87 for the fourth wicket. Just when they looked in control, India A turned the game decisively, with sharp fielding from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and a sensational catch by Ashok Sharma helping them to crucial breakthroughs. Anukul Roy and Vipraj Nigam also struck at important moments, leaving Afghanistan A reeling before India A picked up the bones.