Afg 'A' clinch Emerging Asia Cup title

Afghanistan 'A' triumphed over Sri Lanka 'A' in the Emerging Asia Cup 2024 final on Sunday, securing the title for the first time.

Chasing a modest target of 134 runs, Afghanistan reached it with ease, finishing at 137/3 in just 18.1 overs at Al Amerat.

After an early setback when Zubaid Akbari was dismissed on the first ball of the innings, opener Sediqullah Atal anchored the chase.

Atal scored a decisive 55 not out from 55 balls, and his 43-run partnership with captain Darwish Rasooli (24 off 20 balls) laid a solid foundation.

Following Rasooli's departure, Karim Janat contributed a quick 33 off 27 balls, helping Afghanistan edge closer to victory. Wicketkeeper Mohammad Ishaq added a quick 16 off 6 balls, remaining unbeaten with Atal to secure the win and lift the trophy.

Earlier, Sri Lanka A struggled against Afghanistan's disciplined bowling, posting only 133-7 after choosing to bat first. Bilal Sami led Afghanistan's bowling attack with 3-22, while AM Ghazanfar chipped in with 2-14 in his four overs.

This win comes after Afghanistan A's impressive performance against India A in the semi-final, where they defended a target of 207, restricting India A to 186-7.

Defending champions Pakistan Shaheens, on the other hand, were knocked out by Sri Lanka A in the first semi-final. Dushan Hemantha's four-wicket haul and Ahan Wickramasinghe's half-century propelled Sri Lanka A to victory as they chased down Pakistan Shaheens' target of 136 in the 17th over.