Emerging Asia Cup, Semi-Final 2 | IN A vs AFG A Preview: Key Players And Stats, Live Streaming, Pitch Report, Probable XIs

IN A vs AFG A Preview [Source: @BCCI, @ACBofficials/x.com]

India A will lock horns with Afghanistan A in the second semi-final of the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 on Friday, October 25 at the AL Amerat Cricket Ground. Both sides have played some scintillating cricket in the group stages, and with a place in the final at stake, this contest promises fireworks.

IN A vs AFG A Semi-Final: Match Details And Live Streaming

IN A vs AFG A Semi-Final: India Looking To Assert Dominance 

India A finished the group stage undefeated as they notched three wins in as many games and topped Group B. Their campaign started with a thrilling seven-run win vs Pakistan A followed by a seven-wicket victory vs UAE. Their last match saw them trounce Oman by six wickets in a dominant display.

In the batting dept, Abhishek Sharma has smashed 127 runs in three innings at an average of 42.33 whereas captain Tilak Varma has led from the front with 101 runs. Much will depend on these two alongside Anuj Rawat, Ayush Badoni, Nehal Wadhera, and Ramandeep Singh.

On the bowling front, Rasikh Salam has been terrific, having grabbed six wickets in three games. Anshul Kamboj has also been prolific with four scalps across two matches. With Nishant Sindhu, and Rahul Chahar within the ranks, India A will look to ride the momentum and storm into the finals.

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IN A vs AFG A Semi-Final: Afghanistan Aiming To Cause An Upset

On the other hand, Afghanistan A finished the group stage with two wins and a defeat. They caused major upsets by defeating Sri Lanka A and Bangladesh A in their first two matches. However, they were humbled by Hong Kong in their final group stage match by five wickets.

Sediqullah Atal has been their star performer with a whopping 230 runs in three matches at an average of 115.00. Zubaid Akbari has also scored 73 runs in two games. Captain Darwish Rasooli, Wafiullah Tarakhil, and Numan Shah will also look to fire from the get-go.

The bowling department will be led by Qais Ahmad and Abdul Rahman, both of whom have three wickets each. The likes of Allah Ghazanfar, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Bilal Sami and Karim Janat will have to be at their best against this belligerent Indian batting line-up.

IN A vs AFG A Semi-Final Pitch Report: Batting To Get Easy As Game Progresses

In the last four evening games here, three have been won by chasing teams, which shows how the wicket plays better as the game progresses. The ball comes nicely onto the bat and the conditions are conducive for stroke play. Spinners will get grip and assistance from the surface whereas pacers will have to vary their pace effectively. A score north of 150 will be a winning score here and the captain winning the toss is likely to field first.

IN A vs AFG A Semi-Final: Key Players And Stats

• Abhishek Sharma: 127 runs in 3 matches, Average: 42.33, SR: 202.20
• Tilak Varma: 101 runs in 3 matches, Average: 50.20, SR: 121.68
• Sediqullah Atal: 230 runs in 3 matches, Average: 115.00, SR: 161.97
• Rasikh Salam: 6 wickets in 3 matches, Average: 11.33, ER: 7.55
• Anshul Kamboj: 4 wickets in 2 matches, Average: 12.50, ER: 8.33

IN A vs AFG A Semi-Final: Probable Playing XIs

India A’s Probable XI: Abhishek Sharma, Anuj Rawat (wk), Tilak Varma (c), Nehal Wadhera, Ayush Badoni, Ramandeep Singh, Nishant Sindhu, Anshul Kamboj, Rahul Chahar, Rasikh Dar Salam, Vaibhav Arora

Afghanistan A’s Probable XI: Sediqullah Atal, Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Darwish Rasooli (c), Shahidullah Kamal, Karim Janat, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Qais Ahmad, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Bilal Sami, Abdul Rahman, Allah Ghazanfar

IN A vs AFG A Semi-Final: Winner Prediction

Considering the current form, overall team strength and both sides have fared in the tournament, India A are the favourites to win this contest.

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