VK Vineeth’s fighting fifty went in vain as India A suffered a 65-run loss to Afghanistan in an inconsequential final league match of the Under-19 Tri-Series here on Thursday. This marked India A’s second defeat of the tournament, having previously lost to the same opponents by six wickets on November 1.
Afghanistan Post Competitive Total After Early Setbacks
Sent in to bat, Afghanistan faced early jitters as openers Khalid Ahmadzai (30) and Osman Sadat (9) made a cautious start, adding 39 runs before three quick wickets reduced them to 54 for three. Another setback at 83 for four brought Mahboob Khan (50) and Azizullah Miakhil (60) together, who struck solid half-centuries to guide the team to a competitive 233 for eight. Nooristani Omarzai (28) and Abdul Aziz (15) later stitched an unbeaten 34-run partnership to lift Afghanistan past 230.
India A Stumbles Despite Vineeth’s Heroics
In reply, India A could manage only 168 in 30.2 overs, with Vineeth’s 62-ball 63, featuring 11 fours and a six, standing out. “It was a challenging chase from the start. Early wickets put us under pressure and despite Vineeth’s effort, we couldn’t recover,” said a team official.
The innings began disastrously as opener Wafi Diamond Kachchi was run out by Azizullah Miakhil off the first delivery. Abdul Aziz (3/48) dismantled the top order, including Lakshya Rajesh Raichandani for a duck, while Salam Khan (3/35) removed Vihaan Malhotra (13), Abhigyan Kundu (12), and Mohamed Enaam (1) to leave India A struggling at 85 for five inside 11 overs. Left-arm spinner Roohullah Arab then dismissed Kanishk Chouhan (16) and Vineeth in the 21st and 23rd overs, ending India’s resistance.
India A will have a chance for redemption when they face Afghanistan once again in the final on November 30.