India A crush Afghanistan A by 101 runs, reach tri-series final in Dambulla
Synopsis
Three half-centuries and a four-wicket spin burst sealed it: India A posted 319/9 and then bowled Afghanistan A out for 218, cruising into the 50-over tri-series final by 101 runs in Dambulla. Nishant Sindhu's 4-31 was the decisive blow, but the batting depth — from Arya's promoted opening blitz to Nigam's late cameo — signals a well-rounded A-side heading into the final.
Key Takeaways
India A beat Afghanistan A by 101 runs on 17 June at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium to reach the tri-series final.
Tilak Varma (59) , Priyansh Arya (58) , and Kumar Kushagra (58) all scored half-centuries as India A posted 319/9 in 50 overs .
Left-arm spinner Nishant Sindhu claimed 4 for 31 to bowl Afghanistan A out for 218 in 36.5 overs .
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (38) and Vipraj Nigam (30 off 20) provided crucial support contributions.
Afghanistan A's best partnership was 87 runs between Bahir Shah (57) and Faisal Shinozada (46) , but it was not enough to sustain the chase.
India A marched into the final of the 50-over tri-series in Dambulla with a dominant 101-run victory over Afghanistan A at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, 17 June. Half-centuries from three batters and a four-wicket haul by left-arm spinner Nishant Sindhu powered the comprehensive win.
India A's Batting Dominance
Skipper Tilak Varma led from the front with a measured 59 off 75 balls, anchoring the innings alongside wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra, who contributed a punishing 58 off 67 deliveries. The pair shared a pivotal 104-run partnership that gave India A's innings its backbone.
Promoted to open in the absence of Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya made a statement with a fluent 58, laced with eight boundaries and a six from just 42 balls. He combined with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi — who made a scratchy 38 — for a rollicking 75-run stand in just eight overs, setting an aggressive early tone. Ruturaj Gaikwad chipped in with 30 before Vipraj Nigam's brisk cameo of 30 off 20 balls pushed India A past 310, ultimately finishing at 319/9 in their 50 overs.
Afghanistan A's Chase Falls Apart
Afghanistan A began their chase with intent, as captain Imran Mir cracked a lively 32 off 27 balls. However, Sindhu struck early to remove Mir, and Afghanistan A never fully recovered from that blow.
A spirited 87-run stand between Faisal Shinozada (46) and Bahir Shah (57) offered brief resistance, but the partnership was broken by Anukul Roy and Nigam respectively. Sindhu returned to dismantle the lower order, finishing with figures of 4 for 31, as Afghanistan A were bowled out for 218 in 36.5 overs — well short of the target.
Key Bowling Figures
Beyond Sindhu's starring role, Yash Thakur claimed 2 for 48 to support the spin-led bowling effort. For Afghanistan A, Abdullah Ahmadzai and Farmanullah Safi each took 2 for 62, though their efforts were ultimately insufficient given the size of India A's total.
What This Means
India A's entry into the tri-series final underlines the depth of talent in Indian cricket's pipeline. Notably, several players in this squad are vying for senior team consideration, making performances here closely watched by selectors. The final will be the next test of how this young side handles knockout pressure. Brief Scores: India A 319/9 in 50 overs (Tilak Varma 59, Priyansh Arya 58; Abdullah Ahmadzai 2-62, Farmanullah Safi 2-62) beat Afghanistan A 218 all out in 36.5 overs (Bahir Shah 57, Faisal Shinozada 46; Nishant Sindhu 4-31, Yash Thakur 2-48) by 101 runs.
Point of View
Kushagra's 58 behind the stumps, and Sindhu's disciplined 4-31 all speak to a squad that is not just filling in for senior players but actively pressing their case. India A sides have historically been a reliable conveyor belt to the senior XI, and this performance in conditions similar to subcontinental international venues adds weight to several claims. The real question is whether the final provides a sterner test, or whether this group has already done enough to move the conversation.
NationPress
2 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Did India A qualify for the tri-series final?
Yes, India A qualified for the 50-over tri-series final after defeating Afghanistan A by 101 runs in Dambulla on 17 June. The commanding victory confirmed their place in the final.
Who were the top scorers for India A against Afghanistan A?
Tilak Varma (59), Priyansh Arya (58), and Kumar Kushagra (58) all scored half-centuries for India A. Vipraj Nigam also contributed a brisk 30 off 20 balls to help push the total to 319/9.
What were Nishant Sindhu's bowling figures?
Left-arm spinner Nishant Sindhu took 4 wickets for 31 runs in the match, removing Afghanistan A captain Imran Mir early and returning to clean up the tail. His figures were the best of the innings.
How did Afghanistan A perform in their chase of 320?
Afghanistan A were bowled out for 218 in 36.5 overs, falling 101 runs short. Their best partnership was 87 runs between Bahir Shah (57) and Faisal Shinozada (46), but they lost wickets at crucial intervals and could not sustain the chase.
Who is Priyansh Arya and why was he promoted to open?
Priyansh Arya was promoted to open the batting for India A in the absence of Prabhsimran Singh. He made the most of the opportunity, scoring 58 off 42 balls with eight boundaries and a six before being dismissed by Farmanullah Safi.
