India A vs Afghanistan A: Crucial Tri-Nation A Series Clash in Dambulla

India A vs Afghanistan A Live Score: India A's campaign in the Tri-Nation A Series has reached a crucial stage as they prepare to take on Afghanistan A in Dambulla on Wednesday. Having lost consecutive matches, the Men in Blue must secure a victory to keep their hopes of reaching the final alive.

The defeat to Sri Lanka A was particularly painful. Despite recovering from 143/7 through a brilliant partnership between Suryansh Shedge and Vipraj Nigam, India A were denied in a tense Super Over finish. Controversial umpiring calls, fading light and a heated post-match confrontation involving teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi added further spice to an already dramatic encounter.

India's batting will once again revolve around experienced names such as Ruturaj Gaikwad and captain Tilak Varma, while the likes of Ayush Badoni, Nishant Sindhu and Vipraj Nigam have shown enough quality to turn matches around. The pace department, featuring Arshad Khan, Yash Thakur and Anshul Kamboj, will be eager to deliver after coming close against Sri Lanka A.

Afghanistan A, meanwhile, have a balanced squad with captain Imran Mir leading a talented group that includes Hassan Eisakhil, Bahir Shah, Farmanullah Safi and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Ishaq. The presence of Zahir Khan gives them a potent spin option capable of exploiting conditions in Sri Lanka.

With qualification scenarios tightening and pressure mounting, India A cannot afford another slip-up. A victory over Afghanistan A would revive their campaign and set up a chance to fight for the title, while defeat would bring an early end to their journey in the tournament.

The fifth match of the series will be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium and is scheduled to begin at 10 am local time.