Imran’s all-round heroics power Afghanistan A to victory over India A in rain-affected ODI Tri-Series match

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In a thrilling, rain-truncated encounter at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Afghanistan A pulled off a sensational four-run victory over India A via the DLS (Duckworth-Lewis-Stern) method on June 11, 2026. The high-stakes match, the second fixture of the Sri Lanka A-Team Tri-Series, showcased high-octane batting from both sides before a sudden tropical downpour forced a premature end, leaving Afghanistan A ahead of the required par score.

Opting to set a target in a match slightly reduced to 49 overs per side, the India A top order unleashed an aggressive batting display to post a formidable total of 349/9. Opening batter Prabhsimran Singh laid a rock-solid foundation, hammering a brilliant 84 off 69 balls, studded with 14 boundaries and a six. He found able support early on from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who blasted a rapid 44 off just 22 deliveries.

While Priyansh Arya departed cheaply for 8, the Indian middle order kept the scoreboard ticking at a breakneck run rate of 7.12. Experienced campaigner Ruturaj Gaikwad anchored the middle phase with a composed 66 off 80 balls, matching strides with captain Tilak Varma, who also compiled a crucial 66 off 73 deliveries.

Towards the back end of the innings, Suryansh Shedge provided a vital late-game flourish, smash-and-grabbing 40 runs from 27 balls. For Afghanistan A, medium-pacer Abdollah Ahmadzai was the pick of the bowlers, picking up an expensive yet highly impactful 5-wicket haul (5/68 in 9 overs). Farmanullah also chipped in heavily with 3/85 to restrict India A just under the 350-mark.

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Chasing a daunting target, Afghanistan A knew they needed to stay well ahead of the required run rate in anticipation of incoming weather. Skipper Imran did exactly that, delivering a true captain’s knock that earned him the Player of the Match honours. Opening the batting, Imran anchored the chase flawlessly, remaining unbeaten on 75 off 70 balls, a knock laced with 6 fours and 2 crisp maximums.

Imran received excellent support from opening partner Hassan Eisakhil, who contributed a quickfire 34 off 29 balls to set up a 63-run opening stand. Although Arshad Khan dismissed Eisakhil and left-arm spinner Anukul Roy removed Khalid Taniwal for 2 in quick succession, Bahir Shah stepped up to steady the ship. Shah’s unbeaten, run-a-ball 51 ensured that Afghanistan A suffered no further collapses.

When the heavens finally opened up and brought an abrupt halt to the game at 25.5 overs, Afghanistan A had coasted to 177/2. According to the DLS calculations, the par score at that exact juncture was 173. Having safely crossed the threshold by 4 runs, largely thanks to Imran’s prior bowling spell of 1/21 that removed the dangerous Prabhsimran, Afghanistan A walked away with a memorable, hard-fought victory.

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