NEWS
Follow UsIf everyone thought that India and Pakistan were going to be the clash of the titans that would decide the winners of the Emerging Teams Asia Cup Men’s T20, 2024 winner, they were in for a shock on October 25 (Friday) as both the hot favourites were beaten in their respective semi-finals by less fancied sides Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.
While Sri Lanka A were all over Pakistan Shaheens in the first semi-final held at the Oman Cricket Academy Ground in Al Amerat, beating them by seven wickets, the Afghan Abdalyans blazed past India A at the same venue in the evening.
Chasing 136 to win in the 20 overs, Sri Lanka A were bolstered by Ahan Wickramasinghe’s unbeaten 52 off 46 balls and Lahiru Udara’s 43 off just 20 balls. Pakistan Shaheens could only make 135/9 after winning the toss and deciding to bat first.
They were rocked by early blows from Eshan Malinga and Nipun Ransika. However, the biggest thorn in the Pakistan A side’s flesh was leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha who finished with figures of 4/21.
In the second semi-final, after Afghanistan A won the toss and elected to bat first, Sediqullah Atal (83) and Zubaid Akbari (64) put on 137 for the first wicket. This set the platform for Karim Janat to blaze away for 20-ball 41. The Afghan side posted 206/4 in their 20 overs.
India A, while chasing the target, just could not get going. Despite Ramandeep Singh’s 34-ball 64, fell short by 20 runs.
The final between Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A will be played on October 27 at the same venue. Last year's final for the 50-over competition between the emerging teams was played between India and Pakistan.
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