Under-19 Asia Cup: Kulkarni’s all-round show seals India’s seven-wicket win

NEW DELHI: Arshin Kulkarni showcased an exceptional performance, wielding both bat and ball, leading India to a seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the Asian Cricket Council Under-19 Asia Cup match on Friday.
India’s skipper, Uday Saharan, chose to field, capitalizing on the prowess of the seam attack trio: Arshin Kulkarni (3/29), Raj Limbani (3/46), and left-arm quick Naman Tiwary (2/30), who collectively dismantled Afghanistan’s lineup, restricting them to 173.
Adding to the tally, Indian spinners Murugan Abhishek and Musheer Khan secured a wicket each.
Despite opener Jamshid Zadran’s solid 43 off 75 deliveries, supported by a 49-run partnership with Sohil Khan (12) for the second wicket, Afghanistan faced a formidable Indian bowling unit.
India faced a rocky start, losing two early wickets for just 10 runs within eight overs. However, Kulkarni’s resilient 105-ball 70 (4x4s) anchored the innings.
Initially partnering with skipper Saharan (20 off 49 balls) for a 44-run third-wicket stand, Kulkarni later solidified India’s chase in an unbroken 98-run fourth-wicket alliance with Musheer Khan (48 off 53 balls, 3x4s).