Afghanistan A Stuns India A with DLS Victory in Rain-Impacted Clash

In a gripping match in Dambulla, Afghanistan A achieved a remarkable DLS victory over India A, who had set a challenging target of 349 runs. Despite a strong start from India A, Afghanistan A's captain Imran Mir and Bahir Shah led a successful chase, ultimately winning the match after rain interruptions. The game showcased thrilling performances and strategic play, culminating in a dramatic finish as Afghanistan A surpassed the DLS target just before the rain halted play. Discover how the match unfolded and the key moments that led to this stunning victory.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 12, 2026, 02:02 IST

Afghanistan A Triumphs in Dambulla

Dambulla [Sri Lanka], June 11: In a thrilling encounter, Afghanistan A achieved a remarkable DLS victory over India A, despite the latter posting a formidable score of 349 in a rain-affected tri-series match on Thursday. The Afghan team was propelled by a dynamic opening partnership and strong performances from captain Imran Mir and Bahir Shah.

After being asked to bat first, India A made a powerful start, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashing 44 runs off just 22 balls, setting a vigorous pace after Afghanistan chose to field.

Prabhsimran Singh continued the aggressive approach but fell short of a century, maintaining India A's strong position even after Priyansh Arya's early exit.

The innings was stabilized by Ruturaj Gaikwad and Tilak Varma, who combined for a solid 78-run partnership, playing cautiously with only eight boundaries between them to keep the momentum alive for India A.

Gaikwad, who had recently scored a century, contributed a smooth 66 runs off 80 balls, while skipper Tilak added 66 off 73 deliveries.

In the final overs, Suryansh Shedge accelerated the scoring with a brisk 40 off 27 balls. Additional contributions from Anukul Roy and Vipraj Nigam helped India A surpass the 300-run mark, concluding their innings at 349 for 9 in a revised 49 overs.

Abdullah Ahmadzai from Afghanistan A was the standout bowler, taking five wickets and making crucial strikes during the death overs to limit India A's total.

Chasing a revised target of 294 runs in 38 overs due to rain interruptions, Afghanistan A started aggressively. Hassan Eisakhil scored 34, forming a rapid 63-run opening partnership with captain Imran Mir, as they maintained a brisk pace of nearly eight runs per over during the Powerplay.

Despite Arshad Khan and Anukul Roy taking wickets to dismiss Eisakhil and Khalid Taniwal, India A struggled to maintain pressure in the middle overs.

Imran Mir anchored the innings with a steady yet aggressive 75 runs off 69 balls, while Bahir Shah played a counterattacking role, reaching a half-century. Together, they formed a century-plus partnership for the third wicket, pushing Afghanistan A ahead of the DLS par score.

As dark clouds loomed again, Afghanistan reached 173 for 2 in 25.5 overs when heavy rain halted play. At that moment, they were three runs ahead of the DLS target, leading to their victory being confirmed by the DLS method.