India A will look to build on their winning start in the Talent TV Cup Tri-Series when they take on Afghanistan A in Dambulla on Thursday. The 50-over List A contest at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium brings together two emerging squads eager to make an impression, but much of the spotlight is expected to fall on teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
India A enter the match after edging past Sri Lanka A by eight runs, thanks largely to vice-captain Ruturaj Gaikwad's century. Afghanistan A, meanwhile, will be playing their first match of the tournament and will hope to spring a surprise against one of the competition's strongest sides.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi under the spotlight
The biggest talking point ahead of the match is 15-year-old opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The youngster arrives in Sri Lanka after a stunning IPL 2026 campaign, where he finished as the tournament's leading run-scorer with 776 runs for Rajasthan Royals and claimed the Orange Cap.
Expectations are naturally high, but conditions in Dambulla could present a different challenge. The surface is expected to slow down as the game progresses, making stroke-making more difficult than on the batting-friendly tracks often seen in T20 cricket.
While Sooryavanshi's aggressive approach can put any bowling attack under pressure, reaching a maiden List A century against Afghanistan A may not be straightforward. A substantial score appears likely, but converting it into three figures could prove tougher on a pitch expected to assist bowlers.
IND A vs AFG A Live Streaming and Broadcast Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | India A vs Afghanistan A |
| Tournament | Tri-Nation A Series in Sri Lanka 2026 |
| Date | June 11, 2026 |
| Venue | Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Dambulla |
| Start Time | 10:00 AM IST |
| Broadcast | Sony Sports Network |
| Streaming | SonyLIV, FanCode, YouTube |
India A vs Afghanistan A: Predicted Playing 11
India A: Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Priyansh Arya, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma (c), Ayush Badoni, Suryansh Shedge, Anukul Roy, Vipraj Nigam, Arshad Khan, Anshul Kamboj.
Afghanistan A: Imran Mir (c), Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Hassan Eisakhil, Khalid Taniwal, Shams ur Rahman, Bahir Shah, Faisal Shinozada, Farmanullah Safi, Zahir Khan, Khalil Gurbaz, Faridoon Dawoodzai.
India A vs Afghanistan A Players to watch
Ruturaj Gaikwad: Comes into the match after scoring 101 runs against Sri Lanka A and remains India's most reliable batter.
Tilak Varma: Anchored the innings with 60 runs in the previous match and adds stability to the middle order.
Imran Mir: Afghanistan A's captain has been prolific in domestic cricket and will be crucial to his team's chances.
Zahir Khan: The spinner has been among the wickets consistently and could benefit from Dambulla's conditions.
IND A vs AFG A Pitch Report and Weather Forecast
Conditions are expected to be hot in Dambulla.
- Temperature: 34-36°C
- Humidity: 52%
- Rain probability: 1%
- Weather interruptions are unlikely.
Pitch report
The Dambulla surface is generally balanced but tends to become more favourable for bowlers as the innings progresses.
Early in the day, pacers can find movement due to moisture in the pitch. Later, spinners are expected to enjoy greater assistance as the surface slows and offers grip.
- Average first-innings score: 230
- Average second-innings score: 242
- Teams bowling first have enjoyed a slight advantage
The conditions suggest that winning the toss and choosing to bowl could be the preferred option.
IND A vs AFG A Match Prediction
India A start as favourites after their successful opening match and possess greater depth in both batting and bowling. Afghanistan A have talented players capable of causing problems, but the Indian side appears better equipped to handle the conditions and pressure of the occasion.
Prediction: India A to win.
India A riding confidence after Sri Lanka win
India A's victory over Sri Lanka A showcased the depth available in the squad. Gaikwad led from the front with a century, while several young players contributed in key moments.
The team is expected to rely again on its strong batting line-up, featuring Sooryavanshi, Gaikwad, Tilak Varma and Priyansh Arya. Their spin resources could also become a major factor as the pitch wears during the match.
Afghanistan A seek strong start
Afghanistan A begin their campaign under captain Imran Mir, who has built an impressive reputation in domestic cricket. The side also boasts several players capable of making an impact, including Khalid Taniwal, Zahir Khan and all-rounder Khalil Gurbaz.
Although Afghanistan A lack extensive senior international experience, their players have produced strong performances in domestic competitions and will be keen to test themselves against India's next generation of talent.
Disclaimer: This article is intended solely for informational and entertainment purposes. Any match predictions, player projections, team assessments, or performance expectations mentioned in the article are based on available information, statistics, and analysis at the time of publication. Readers should use their own judgment when interpreting sports-related information.
