INDIA A Vs PAKISTAN A
India A edged past Pakistan A by a nail-biting 7-run margin in their ACC Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 opener on Saturday. The match, held at Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman, saw both teams deliver an intense performance that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.
India A Post 183/8 After Opting to Bat First
After winning the toss and choosing to bat, India A posted a competitive total of 183 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. Tilak Varma was the top scorer for India with a steady knock of 44 off 35 balls. He was supported by some vital cameos from Prabhsimran Singh (36 off 19) and Abhishek Sharma (35 off 22).
India A got off to a flying start, scoring 68 runs in the first powerplay. However, the introduction of Pakistan's spinners brought the game back into balance as India lost wickets at regular intervals. Sufiyan Muqeem was the standout bowler for Pakistan A, picking up 2 wickets for 28 runs in his 4 overs. Despite the setbacks, India A managed to put up a solid score on the board.
India's Key Batting Moments:
- Prabhsimran Singh's quickfire 36 off 19 balls gave India A a strong start.
- Abhishek Sharma played a belligerent knock, scoring 35 off 22 balls, with consecutive boundaries in the powerplay.
- Tilak Varma, the captain, anchored the innings with a composed 44 off 35.
- A crucial six from Rasikh Salam in the final over took India A past the 180-mark, finishing with 183/8.
Pakistan A’s Reply: A Strong Fight That Fell Short
In response, Pakistan A started their chase well but were dealt early blows as India’s bowlers took control. Anshul Kamboj was the pick of the bowlers for India A, finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 33. Rasikh Dar Salam and Nishant Sindhu also contributed by picking up two wickets each.
Key Moments from Pakistan’s Chase:
- After losing Mohammad Haris early for 6, Yasir Khan and Qasim Akram steadied the ship with a 50-run partnership.
- Pakistan A scored 71/2 at the end of the powerplay, keeping the chase well within reach.
- However, Nishant Sindhu turned the game with a game-changing over, dismissing both Yasir Khan and Qasim Akram. This left Pakistan at 78/4.
- Despite Pakistan’s lower-order batsmen—Arafat Minhas (35 off 22) and Abdul Samad (25 off 15)—putting up a fight, India A's bowlers held their nerve in the final overs.
Pakistan’s Closing Stages:
- Arafat Minhas kept Pakistan’s hopes alive with a series of boundaries, but the required run rate kept climbing.
- India A's pacer Rasikh Dar Salam bowled a brilliant 19th over, conceding only 7 runs and putting the pressure back on Pakistan, who needed 17 off the final over.
- Abdul Samad’s valiant effort was cut short when he was dismissed for 25 off 15 balls, leaving Pakistan A requiring 17 runs from the final five deliveries.
- Abbas Afridi hit a boundary off the final ball, but it wasn’t enough as Pakistan finished at 176/7, falling 7 runs short.
Final Scorecard:
India A: 183/8 (20 Overs)
Top scorers: Tilak Varma 44 (35), Prabhsimran Singh 36 (19), Abhishek Sharma 35 (22)
Best bowlers for Pakistan A: Sufiyan Muqeem 2/28
Pakistan A: 176/7 (20 Overs)
Top scorers: Arafat Minhas 35 (22), Abdul Samad 25 (15)
Best bowlers for India A: Anshul Kamboj 3/33, Rasikh Dar Salam 2/38, Nishant Sindhu 2/34
Conclusion: A Nail-Biting Finish
In a game that swung back and forth, India A's resilience and some sharp bowling in the death overs helped them prevail over their arch-rivals Pakistan A. The thrilling 7-run win has set the tone for India A in the ACC Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024, giving them a strong start in the tournament.
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