Afghanistan A Stuns India A with Narrow Victory in Rain-Impacted Match

In a surprising turn of events, Afghanistan A triumphed over India A by just four runs in a rain-affected match, utilizing the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method. India A set a formidable target with a score of 349, led by Prabhsimran Singh's impressive 84 runs. However, Afghanistan A's chase was bolstered by captain Imran's unbeaten 75, allowing them to edge past the par score before rain interrupted play. This thrilling encounter showcased the unpredictability of cricket and highlighted Afghanistan's emerging talent.

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

Afghanistan A Pulls Off a Stunning Upset

In a thrilling encounter on Thursday, Afghanistan A achieved a remarkable four-run victory over the formidable India A, utilizing the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method due to rain interruptions during their tri-nation series match.

India A batted first, amassing an impressive total of 349 runs for 9 wickets in a curtailed innings of 49 overs. Prabhsimran Singh was the standout performer, scoring a rapid 84 runs off 69 deliveries, while captain Tilak Varma and Ruturaj Gaikwad both contributed with solid half-centuries, each scoring 66 runs.

With rain affecting the match, Afghanistan A's target was adjusted to 294 runs from 38 overs under the DLS guidelines.

Afghanistan A began their chase with a strong performance from captain Imran, who scored an unbeaten 75 runs off 70 balls, alongside Hassan Eisakhil, who added 34 runs off 29 balls. The duo kept Afghanistan in contention, and Bahir Shah later joined Imran, helping the team reach 177 for 2 in 25.5 overs before rain halted play again.

At that moment, Afghanistan was ahead by four runs compared to the par score, securing their unexpected win.

Earlier in the match, India A's captain Tilak, vice-captain Ruturaj, and opener Prabhsimran all played crucial roles in building a substantial total.

Afghanistan's bowlers faced challenges in containing the Indian batsmen throughout the innings.

India's innings kicked off with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who scored a quick 44 runs off just 22 balls, hitting nine boundaries.

The young left-handed batsman showcased his ability to find gaps, maintaining a strike rate of 200 without hitting a six.

Sooryavanshi and Prabhsimran formed a solid opening partnership, adding 74 runs in just 7.1 overs, setting the stage for a high total.

However, Sooryavanshi fell victim to a bouncer from Abdollah Ahmadzai, who emerged as the most effective Afghan bowler with a five-wicket haul (5/68).

Despite the loss of early wickets, India maintained their momentum. After a brief appearance from Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran and Gaikwad combined for a 79-run partnership for the third wicket, with Gaikwad achieving his second consecutive fifty in the tournament.

Prabhsimran was dismissed by part-timer Imran Mir just shy of a century, but Gaikwad continued to build partnerships, adding 78 runs for the fourth wicket with Tilak, who also scored his second fifty in a row.

India faced a minor setback when Gaikwad and Ayush Badoni fell in consecutive deliveries to Farmanullah Safi (3/85), leaving them at 245 for 5.

Nevertheless, Tilak found a reliable partner in the aggressive Suryansh Shedge (40 runs off 27 balls), and together they added 70 runs for the sixth wicket in just seven overs, propelling India past the 300-run mark.

Brief Scores:

India A: 349/9 in 49 overs (Prabhsimran Singh 84, Ruturaj Gaikwad 66, Tilak Varma 66, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 44; Abdollah Ahmadzai, Farmanullah Safi 3/85).

Afghanistan A: 177/2 in 25.5 overs (Imran 75 not out, Bashir Shah 51 not out).