India A currently sit atop the points table after securing a dramatic eight-run win in Dambulla. The result was built on a century from vice-captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and a disciplined effort from the bowling unit in the final stages of the match.
Gaikwad was the standout performer in the opener, scoring a composed 101 to rescue India A from early trouble. Captain Tilak Varma also played a significant role with a patient 60 as the pair stitched together a 150-run partnership. Their experience proved crucial after India slipped to 16/2 inside the first five overs.
The upcoming game will once again bring focus on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The teenage batting prodigy made his India A one-day debut against Sri Lanka A and showed flashes of his talent during a 14-run knock. He struck three boundaries and looked confident before falling to an attacking shot. With the pressure of a debut now behind him, India will hope for a bigger contribution from the youngster.
India A’s bowling attack also has positives to build on. Spinners Ayush Badoni and Anukul Roy picked up two wickets each and slowed Sri Lanka’s progress during the middle overs. Fast bowlers Arshad Khan and Anshul Kamboj then delivered at key moments as Sri Lanka A collapsed dramatically despite appearing set for victory.
Afghanistan A enter the tournament with a fresh squad and without the fatigue of a previous game. India A, however, will carry confidence from their opening win and the knowledge that they have already adapted to the conditions in Dambulla.
A second consecutive victory would put India A in a strong position in the competition and move them closer to a place in the final. With several players hoping to impress selectors, the clash promises another important test for this talented young side.
Tri Nation A Series Squads:
India A Squad: Prabhsimran Singh(w), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Priyansh Arya, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma(c), Ayush Badoni, Suryansh Shedge, Anukul Roy, Anshul Kamboj, Arshad Khan, Vipraj Nigam, Yash Thakur, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Kumar Kushagra, Nishant Sindhu
Afghanistan A Squad: Imran Mir(c), Noor ul Rahman(w), Hassan Eisakhil, Bahir Shah, Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, Farmanullah Safi, Shams Ur Rahman, Khalil Gurbaz, Zahir Khan, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Mohammad Ibrahim, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Khalid Taniwal, Ishaq Rahimi, Faisal Khan Ahmadz