NEW DELHI: After pulling off a dramatic heist in the tri-series opener against Sri Lanka A, India A will look to build on the winning momentum when they take on Afghanistan A at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla on Thursday.
The Tilak Varma-led side snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in their opening game, registering an eight-run win over Sri Lanka A in a contest that swung wildly in the final stages.
Defending 277, India A appeared headed for defeat as Sri Lanka A cruised towards the target, powered by captain Sahan Arachchige's sublime 74 off 72 balls. However, the hosts suffered a stunning collapse, losing their last four wickets in the space of just 10 deliveries.
Pacer Arshad Khan emerged as the hero, claiming three wickets in the final over to seal a remarkable victory for India A.
Earlier, the experienced Ruturaj Gaikwad anchored India's innings with a composed 101, helping his side post 277 for six.
The spin duo of Ayush Badoni (2/46) and Anukul Roy (2/49) played crucial roles in keeping India in the contest after the pacers, particularly Anshul Kamboj, leaked runs during the chase. Sahan, one of Sri Lanka A's most experienced players, had taken his side to the brink of victory before Kamboj produced a sharp yorker to dismiss him. A series of soft dismissals towards the end then handed India A an unlikely win.
There will also be plenty of focus on 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose first outing for India A in one-day cricket ended with a modest 14. The teenager showed flashes of his talent but will be eager to make a bigger impact against Afghanistan A.
India A vs Afghanistan A, Tri-Series 2026: Live Streaming Details
When will the India A vs Afghanistan A, Tri-Series 2026 match take place?
The India A vs Afghanistan A, Tri-Series 2026 match will take place on June 11.
Where will the India A vs Afghanistan A, Tri-Series 2026 match be held?
The India A vs Afghanistan A, Tri-Series 2026 match will be held at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla.
What time will the India A vs Afghanistan A, Tri-Series 2026 match start?
The India A vs Afghanistan A, Tri-Series 2026 match will begin at 10:00 AM IST.
Which TV channels will live telecast the India A vs Afghanistan A, Tri-Series 2026 match?
The India A vs Afghanistan A match will be televised live on the Sony Sports Network.
Where to follow the live streaming of the India A vs Afghanistan A, Tri-Series 2026 match?
The India A vs Afghanistan A, Tri-Series 2026 match will be live streamed on the Sony LIV app and website.
Squads
India A: Prabhsimran Singh (wk), 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: Imran Mir (c), Noor ul Rahman (wk), 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 Ahmadzai.
