ACC Emerging Asia Cup: India A Outplay Nepal By 9 Wickets To Enter Semifinals

Abhishek (87 off 69) and Sudharshan (58 off 52) gave a solid start to India's chase, making 139 in 19 overs for the opening wicket.

Abhishek Sharma in action.

India A team registered an emphatic nine-wicket victory over Nepal in their second game of the ACC Men's Emerging Cup in Colombo, powering themselves into the semifinals. It was the bowlers who dominated throughout and ended up restricting Nepal to 167 all out in 39.2 overs. Bowlers like Nishant Sindhu (4/14), Rajvardhan Hangargekar (3/25), Harshit Rana (2/16), and Manav Suthar (1/31) constantly tormented the batters.

Nepal's captain Rohit Paudel was the highest run-scorer with a terrific knock of 65 runs off 85 balls. Gulshan Jha also contributed with a quick-fire 38 off just 30 deliveries at the R Premadasa Stadium.

In reply, the Indian batters Sai Sudharsan and Abhishek Sharma played brilliant cricket with both scoring impressive fifties. Their crucial stand helped India A win the game,  booking their spot in the semifinals with authority. Abhishek smashed 12 fours and two sixes while Sudarshan hit eight fours to the fence and one over the rope.

Abhishek (87 off 69) and Sudharshan (58 off 52) gave a solid start to India's chase, making 139 in 19 overs for the opening wicket. After Sharma’s wicket, Dhruv Jurel joined the party and played a handsome cameo of 12-ball 21 including a four and two maximums.

Following this win, India achieved four points to consolidate their position at the top of the table with two wins out of two and a net run rate of +3.9. Earlier,  India had outplayed UAE in their opening match. India will be playing against Pakistan in their final league match on Wednesday.

Squads:

India A: Sai Sudharsan, Abhishek Sharma (vc), Nikin Jose, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Yash Dhull (c), Riyan Parag, Nishant Sindhu, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Manav Suthar, Yuvrajsinh Dodiya, Harshit Rana, Akash Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Rajvardhan Hangargekar

Nepal: Rohit Paudel (c), Arjun Saud (wk), Aasif Sheikh (wk), Kushal Bhurtel, Gulsan Jha, Sompal Kami, Pratish GC, Dev Khanal, Sandeep Jora, Kushal Malla, Lalit Rajbanshi, Bhim Sharki, Pawan Sarraf, Surya Tamang, Kishor Mahato, Shyam Dhakal.