Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024: India A Beat Pakistan A by 7 Runs to Start Group B Campaign

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India A kicked off their campaign in the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 with a thrilling 7-run victory over Pakistan A at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground. India A, after winning the toss, chose to bat first and posted 183/8 in their allotted 20 overs.

Tilak Varma led from the front, contributing a solid 44 runs, with significant support from Prabhsimran Singh (36) and Abhishek Sharma (35). Pakistan A bowlers did well to restrict India A's batting towards the end, with Sufyan Muqeem impressing with figures of 2/28.

Chasing 184, Pakistan A put up a valiant effort but fell just short at 176/7 in their 20 overs. Arafat Minhas top-scored for Pakistan A with a brisk 41, while Yasir Khan (33) and Abdul Samad (25) chipped in at key moments.

However, their efforts weren't enough as India A's bowlers held their nerve in the crucial death overs. Anshul Kamboj was the standout bowler, taking 3/33, and his excellent final over sealed the win for India A. Rasikh Salam (2/30) and Nishant Sindhu (2/15) also made vital contributions with the ball.

The match swung back and forth, with both teams displaying moments of brilliance. India A's Ramandeep Singh took a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss a set Yasir Khan, a moment that tilted the momentum in favour of India A. Pakistan A captain Mohammad Haris acknowledged in the post-match presentation that the game was lost in the powerplays, where they conceded 70 runs while chasing and lost key wickets early on.

Anshul Kamboj, who was named Player of the Match, expressed his satisfaction with his bowling performance, particularly his wicket of Abdul Samad in the final over, which he described as his favourite. Tilak Varma credited India A's death bowlers for their ability to withstand the pressure, while also highlighting the role domestic cricket and IPL experience played in their composed performance.

With this win, India A takes a confident step forward in the tournament and will face UAE and Oman in their upcoming matches. For Pakistan A, the defeat highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in their powerplay phases, as they look to bounce back in their next fixture.