Nishant Sindhu, Priyansh Arya star as India A Crush Afghanistan A by 101 runs to reach final of Tri-Nation A series

India A claimed a crucial win in their clash against Afghanistan A in the Tri-Nation A series, which was played on Wednesday, June 17 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla. The Tilak Varma-led side secured a 101-run win while defending 320 runs in a do-or-die clash.

Strong batting show from India A

Winning the toss, Afghanistan A skipper Imran Mir opted to bowl first against India A. However, the decision turned out to be backfiring as the Indian side got off to a brilliant start. India A's fresh opening pair of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Priyansh Arya stitched a solid partnership. Star Punjab Kings batter Priyansh Arya smashed 58 runs off just 42 balls, hitting nine boundaries and one six. Meanwhile, Sooryavanshi got off to a wonderful start, but missed his half-century by 12 runs after losing his wicket on 38 off 28 balls.

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Coming to bat at No.3, Ruturaj Gaikwad played a short but solid knock of 30 runs off 31 balls before losing his wicket off Abdullah Ahmadzai's bowling. Skipper Tilak Varma registered another solid knock of 59 off 75 balls and stitched a great stand with Kumar Kushagra, who registered a fine inning of 58 off 67 deliveries. Towards the end, spin all-rounder Vipraj Nigam (30 off 20) and Nishant Sindhu (21 off 26) helped India A to post 319-9.

India A's dominant bowling effort

In response, Afghanistan A got off to a strong start before losing opener Hassan Eisakhil, who scored 14 off 9 balls. Meanwhile, Imran Mir managed to score 32 off 27 before getting out off Nishant Sindhu's bowling. Afghanistan A's middle order batter Faisal Shinozada recorded a strong 46 off 56 but got out on Anukul Roy.  Bahir Shah tried to control the game with his  decent 57 off 52, but could not contribute afterwards and lost his wicket to Vipraz Nigam. After Shah's wicket, no one could not contribute much as Afghanistan A bundled out on 218 lost the game by a massive margin of 101 runs.

With this India A secured their berth in the final game of the Tri-series, where the Tilak Varma-led side will face the winner of the clash between Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A.