Imran Mir, Bahir Shah power Afghanistan A to stunning DLS win

Imran Mir, Bahir Shah power Afghanistan A to stunning DLS win

India A's 349 wasn't enough as Afghanistan A pulled off a stunning DLS win in a rain-affected tri-series clash in Dambulla, riding on a blazing opening stand and authoritative knocks from captain Imran Mir and Bahir Shah.

Asked to bat first on a surface expected to assist seamers early on, India A shrugged off the conditions through an aggressive start from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The youngster hammered 44 off just 22 balls. Prabhsimran Singh kept the scoreboard moving before falling short of a century.

The innings was anchored by Ruturaj Gaikwad and Tilak Varma. The pair added 78 runs through largely risk-free cricket. Gaikwad compiled a fluent 66 off 80 while Tilak struck 66 from 73 balls.

Suryansh Shedge's 40 off 27 balls helped India surge past 300, eventually posting 349 for 9 in their revised 49-over innings. Abdullah Ahmadzai was the standout bowler with a five-wicket haul.

Chasing a revised target of 294 from 38 overs after further rain interruptions, Afghanistan came out with intent. Hassan Eisakhil struck 34 and shared a rapid 63-run opening stand with Imran Mir.

Imran Mir took charge with a composed 75 off 69 balls. He found an able partner in Bahir Shah, who counterattacked to a half-century. The pair added a century stand for the third wicket.

With dark clouds gathering, Afghanistan reached 173 for 2 in 25.5 overs when heavy rain forced players off. They were three runs ahead of the DLS target, and with no further play possible, Afghanistan were declared winners.

Brief scores: India A 349/9 in 49 overs (Prabhsimran Singh 84, Ruturaj Gaikwad 66, Tilak Varma 66; Abdullah Ahmadzai 5-68) lost to Afghanistan A 177/2 in 25.5 overs (Imran Mir 75*, Bahir Shah 51*) by 4 runs (DLS).