Afghanistan Wins First T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup

Afghanistan A romped to a win over Sri Lanka A to win the country’s first ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup title at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground Oman.

Chasing 138 runs for the win, Afghanistan batted with utmost composure to ease to a 7-wicket win.

Things did not turn out the way Sri Lanka hoped after winning the toss and opting to bat. A seasoned effort with the ball by Afghanistan kept them to a modest total of 133/7 in 20 overs. Sahan Arachchige anchored the Sri Lankan innings with a resilient 64 off 47 balls, yet Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Bilal Sami with figures of 3/22, kept the scoreboard in check.

AM Ghazanfar, later awarded Player of the Match, delivered an economical 2/14, stifling the Sri Lankan side’s momentum throughout their innings.

Afghanistan A’s chase got off to a shaky start with a wicket on the very first ball, but opener Sediqullah Atal held his ground, scoring an unbeaten 55 off 55 balls to anchor the innings.

He found support from Darwish Rasooli (24 off 20) and Karim Janat (33 off 27), guiding Afghanistan to the target with 11 balls to spare. Atal’s steady contributions throughout the tournament earned him the Player of the Series accolade.

Afghanistan A had already displayed their Emerging Teams Asia Cup credentials beforehand with a win over the previously undefeated India in the semi-finals while Sri Lanka had reached the summit clash with a win over Pakistan. It was the first final contest in the Asia Cup without the two subcontinent teams.