In the semi-final of the U19 Asia Cup held in Al Amerat, left-arm spinner Manal Chauhan and off-spinner Yashbardhan have been keeping things tight for India. Afghanistan's left-handed batter Noman is trying to keep the scoreboard moving, but a bit of pressure has been mounted on the team as the scoring rate has dipped. The current live score stands at 104 for 3 in 28 overs. A breakthrough was achieved by Yashbardhan Chauhan when he bowled Subhan Zakhail for 31 off 44 balls, just as Afghanistan were beginning to build momentum. Noman Salarzai provided a bit of unexpected entertainment with a six over wide long-on off Mohit Ulva. The Indian captain Lakshya Raichandani even joined the search party! The players took a drinks break after 17.2 overs, with Subhan Zakhail and Noman Salarzai on 20 and 12 respectively. India still have the upper hand with two wickets down.
India got another breakthrough in the form of Faridullah Ihsas, who was struggling to find his rhythm and was bowled by Kavya Patel for a duck. Patel has been tight with her bowling, conceding just five runs in an over. The opening partnership between Abidullah Nadarjan and Faridullah Ihsas was broken when Ishan Sood struck in the 7th over, getting Nadarjan out lbw for 6. Subhan Ali came in as the new batter for Afghanistan. Kavya Patel has continued to put pressure on the Afghan openers, finding some movement and beating Nadarjan's outside edge. Ihsas survived a loud LBW shout earlier in the match. India are making the openers work for every run.
The opening pair of Abidullah Nadarjan and Faridullah Ihsas scored just 6 runs off the first two overs, with India showing their attacking intent early by stationing two slips for Ishan Soo. The match is being played in Al Amerat, Oman.