India A look to bounce back in must-win clash against Afghanistan A

Dambulla, Jun 16: Stung by two consecutive defeats in a tournament they were expected to dominate, an India A side filled with IPL specialists, will look to get their act together and return to winning ways when they take on Afghanistan A in their tri-series contest here on Wednesday.

Each of the three teams, including hosts Sri Lanka A, will play against the others twice before the finalists are decided. While two losses have indeed added pressure on the Indian side, a win over Afghanistan A would bolster their chances of making the summit clash.

The hosts Sri Lanka are sitting pretty on top with 4 points and a Net Run Rate of 0.494 with two wins and a defeat in three matches, effectively leaving India and Afghanistan to battle it out among themselves.

Only NRR separates India (2 points, 0.032) and Afghanistan (2 points, -1.392) so far, which means the Tilak Varma-led side will have to show greater resolve and hope inclement weather does not hamper their chances.

Additionally, the contest here on Wednesday could also be India A’s last on this trip as Afghanistan A, who have two matches left, can still outmatch their rivals on points provided they win each of those.

India A had earlier put themselves in a strong position with a massive total of 349 for nine against Afghanistan A, who clinched the game by a mere four runs via DLS Method after reaching 177 for two in 25.5 overs.

On their part, India A would know they are yet to produce a complete game as even against Sri Lanka A in their tournament opener, they were made to work hard for the narrow win by eight runs.