India A to face South Africa A in tri-series opener in last minute schedule change
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Due to a last-minute change to the itinerary, India A will now take on South Africa A in the opening game of the triangular series following Australia A’s boycott of the tour. Afghanistan A, who replaced Australia, were supposed to play the opener, but will now play their first match on July 28.
The schedule was changed in a bid to give Afghanistan A more time to settle in South Africa. So, as per the new itinerary, India A will take on South Africa A in the tournament opener at Groenkloof in Pretoria on July 26. Afghanistan will now play their first match at Tuks Oval on July 28. However, the rest of the schedule remains unchanged.
Earlier, Australian players boycotted their tour to South Africa, escalating a bitter pay dispute with the board which threatens to derail senior tours to Bangladesh as well. Following that, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACA) didn't waste any time in accepting Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) invitation to replace Australia A in the triangular series.
In the tournament, Manish Pandey will lead the Indian team that also features international stars - Karun Nair, Rishabh Pant, and Axar Patel - among others. Khaya Zondo and Shafiqullah Shafiq will lead the South African and Afghanistan sides respectively.
The three teams will lock horns with each other twice in the league stage, with the top two advancing to the final, to be played at Tuks Oval on August 8.
