U-19 Tri-Series: Afghanistan A Secure 65-Run Win Over India A in Final League Match
VK Vineeth scores 63, but India A loses by 65 runs to Afghanistan in the U-19 Tri-Series.
A valiant 63 from opener VK Vineeth proved insufficient as India A suffered a 65-run defeat to Afghanistan A in the final league encounter of the Under-19 Tri-Series at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Thursday, November 27, 2025. The result, though inconsequential for standings, handed Afghanistan sweet revenge and exposed familiar frailties in India’s middle order against spin on a turning track.
Sent in to bat, Afghanistan A rode on composed half-centuries from skipper Mahboob Khan (50 off 72) and opener Azizullah Miakhil (60 off 81) to post a competitive 233 for 8 in 50 overs. The pair added 98 for the third wicket, steadying the innings after early losses, while late cameos from the lower order pushed the total beyond India’s reach on a pitch offering sharp turns.
India A’s reply began disastrously, slumping to 34 for 3 inside the first powerplay. Vineeth, displaying admirable temperament, counterattacked with eight boundaries and two sixes, keeping the required rate in check for a while. However, once he was dismissed in the 37th over, the innings folded rapidly, lasting only 42.3 overs for a paltry 168 all out.
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Afghanistan’s spinners once again proved to be India’s nemesis, with left-arm orthodox bowler Bashir Ahmad claiming 4 for 29 and off-spinner Allah Mohammad sharing the spoils. This was the second time in the tournament that Afghanistan’s slow bowlers dismantled India A, having bowled them out cheaply in a six-wicket victory earlier on November 21.
Despite the defeat, India A finished atop the points table with three wins from four matches and will face the same Afghanistan side in the tri-series final on Saturday, November 29, at the same venue. The series, also featuring Bangladesh A, has provided valuable match practice ahead of the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup in December.
The back-to-back losses to Afghanistan serve as a timely wake-up call for the Indian colts, particularly in handling quality spin in the middle overs. The coach and selectors will hope the young batting unit learns quickly before the title clash, where another Afghanistan upset could dent confidence heading into the continental tournament.
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