|| CF DESK ||

Afghanistan A emerged victorious over Sri Lanka A in the 2024 Emerging Asia Cup final at Al Amerat Cricket Ground on Sunday, securing a memorable seven-wicket win and claiming their maiden title in the tournament.

Sri Lanka A, having opted to bat first, struggled early as they lost their top four batsmen within the first five overs, leaving them reeling at 15-4. Afghan pacer Bilal Sami struck early, dismissing in-form openers Yashodha Lanka and Lahiru Udara for scores of one and five, respectively.

Right-arm off-spinner AM Ghazanfar further destabilized Sri Lanka A by dismissing captain Nuwanidu Fernando and number-four batter Ahan Wickramasinghe, resulting in a difficult 25-4 by the end of the powerplay.

A much-needed 50-run partnership between middle-order batsmen Pavan Rathnayake and Sahan Arachchige followed, adding stability to the innings.

Arachchige’s resilient 64* from 47 balls, including six boundaries, and a useful contribution of 23 from Nimesh Vimukthi helped lift Sri Lanka A to a total of 133-7.

Ghazanfar finished with excellent figures of 2-14, while Bilal Sami took 3-22, including a wicket in the final overs.

In reply, Afghanistan A faced an early setback as Sri Lanka A spinner Sahan Arachchige bowled Zubaid Akbari off the very first ball.

However, captain Darwish Rasooli and opener Sediqullah Atal steadied the chase with a crucial 43-run stand. Rasooli scored a quick 24 off 20 balls, including two fours and a six, before being dismissed by Dushan Hemantha in the seventh over.

At the halfway point, Afghanistan A was well-positioned at 55-2, needing 79 more runs from the last 10 overs. Sediqullah Atal’s run-a-ball 55*, supported by Karim Janat (33 off 27) and Mohammad Ishaq (16* off 6), saw Afghanistan A reach the target comfortably, sealing a seven-wicket win with an over to spare.