India A secure a narrow victory in the first match of the ACC Emerging Asia Cup 2024, as they defeat Pakistan Shaheens narrowly by 7 runs in a closely fought encounter. India batted first in the game and set a score of 183/8 on the board riding on the performance of captain Tilak Varma, Abhishek Sharma and Prabhsimran Singh. Chasing it, Pakistan Shaheens didn't get off to a great start but the combined efforts of Qasim Akram, Arafat Minhas and Abdul Samad brought them back in the game and at one point even took their nose ahead. But Rasikh Salam's impressive bowling in the death overs sealed the victory in India A's favour. With 17 needed in the final over of Anshul Kamboj, Pakistan Shaheens could only get 9 runs.  Tilak Varma Stylishly Hits Mohammad Imran For A Huge Six Down the Ground During IND A vs PAK A ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 Match (Watch Video).

India A led by Tilak Varma won the toss and opted to bat first. Both the openers, Abhishek Sharma and Prabhsimran Singh gave a solid start to the Indian innings. Abhishek was trying to go too hard initially, but later got the grip over the bowlers and the duo stitched a partnership of 68 runs in the powerplay. After Prabhsimran's dismissal, India lost a bit of steam as Mumbai Indians teammates Tilak Varma and Nehal Wadhera tried to stitch a partnership . Tilak and Ramandeep Singh combined near the end of the innings to give India A a strong finish. A lusty blow from Rasikh Salam also helped.  Fans in Oman Turn Up in Huge Numbers To Attend IND A vs PAK A ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 Match at Al Amerat Cricket Ground (See Pics).

Chasing it, Pakistan were not off to a great start. Anshul Kamboj struck with the new ball as he dismissed captain Mohammad Haris and then Omair Yousuf. To weather the early blows, Qasim Akram and Yasir Khan stitched a solid partnership and laid the foundation of the Pakistan chase. Nishant Sindhu joined the attack and triggered another collapse as he dismissed both Akram and Yasir. Yasir's catch was brilliantly taken in the deep by Ramandeep Singh. Arafat Minhas brought the attack back to India. Although he was receiving little to no support from Haider Ali, Abdul Samad came in and struck some good shots to completely shift the momentum in Pakistan's favour. Rasikh Salam helped India comeback well in the death overs as he dismissed Arafat Minhas and bowled an economic 19th over. Despite Abdul Samad's efforts, they had to stop seven runs before the finishing line. Anshul Kamboj picked three wickets while Rasikh and Nishant Sindhu scalped two wickets each.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 19, 2024 10:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).