Australia A continued their dominance over India A in the second unofficial Test as they set the hosts a daunting target of 365 to win the game. The visitors sent down 13 overs before Stumps and managed to bag the crucial wicket of Sai Sudharsan. India A now need 337 runs on the final day with 9 wickets in hand.
Resuming at 122/5, India A fought back on the third morning with a crucial partnership. However, both the well-set batters – Tanush Kotian and Shaikh Rasheed – were dismissed in successive overs that helped Australia regain control. Those two wickets hurt India A big time as they were bundled out for just 167.
Having already fetched a lead of 191 in the first innings, Australia A piled on the agony in the second essay with the openers adding over 50 runs for the first wicket. Even though India A fought back with quick wickets, including that of skipper Peter Handscomb for a duck, Jason Sangha contributed a crucial unbeaten 44 that ensured Australia A remained on top.
After batting 49 overs, the visitors declared at 173/4, setting India A a target of 365, With 13 tricky overs left to see off, India A suffered a massive blow when Todd Murphy managed to castle Sudharsan for 12. Nightwatchman Tushar Deshpande batted out 18 deliveries alongside Aayush Pandey to ensure India didn’t lose further wickets before the close of play.
Brief scores: India A 167 & 28/1 (Todd Murphy 1-1) need another 337 runs vs Australia A 358 & 173/4d (Jason Sangha 44*, Sam Konstas 40; Tanush Kotian 2-55).
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