India A is set to face a challenging match against Bangladesh A in the 1st semi-final of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament. The match-up highlights a clash between India A’s individual batting brilliance and a well-rounded Bangladesh A unit.

India A: The Suryavanshi Factor and Top-Order Reliance

India A’s success in the tournament has been heavily reliant on the phenomenal form of opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi. He is the team’s leading run-scorer with 201 runs, an aggregate highlighted by a record-breaking 144 off just 42 balls against the UAE and a composed 45 against Pakistan A.

However, the team’s primary concern heading into the knockout fixture is the inconsistent performance of the remaining top-order batsmen. Key players, including captain Jitesh Sharma, Naman Dhir, Priyansh Arya, and Nehal Wadhera, have yet to make substantial contributions, placing a significant burden on Suryavanshi.

Bowling and All-Round Depth

In contrast to the batting dependence, India A’s bowling attack has been a consistent standout.

• Left-arm pacer Gurjapneet Singh spearheads the attack, leading the Indian wicket tally with five dismissals in three games.
• He has been well-supported by spin duo Harsh Dubey (left-arm orthodox) and Suyash Sharma (leg-spinner), both of whom have claimed three wickets each.

Dubey has also proved his value with the bat, scoring a crucial half-century in the must-win group game against Oman, demonstrating valuable all-round ability.

Bangladesh A: A Formidable and Balanced Side

Bangladesh A enters the semi-final having demonstrated significant competitive grit. Their bowling attack is considered dangerous and disciplined, highlighted by their performance against Afghanistan A, whom they dismissed for a mere 78 runs. They also managed to push Sri Lanka A deep into the final over in a closely contested league match.

Their attack is spearheaded by pacer Ripon Mondol and left-arm spinner Rakibul Hasan, both players who have recently gained experience with the senior Bangladesh T20 squad.

On the batting front, Bangladesh A relies heavily on the power-hitting capabilities of opener Habibur Rahman Sohan and captain Akbar Ali. India A will look to exploit any fragility in the middle and lower order once these two established players are dismissed.

India A’s Path to the Semi-Final

India A secured their place in the final four with a strong group stage showing:

1. Victory vs UAE: A comprehensive 148-run win after posting a total of 297/4.
2. Loss vs Pakistan A: An eight-wicket defeat, managing only 136 runs.
3. Victory vs Oman: A successful recovery, chasing down Oman’s target of 135 to win by six wickets.

The winner of this match will advance to the final, likely to face the winner of the second semi-final between Pakistan Shaheens and Sri Lanka A.