NEW DELHI: KL Rahul produced a majestic unbeaten 176 to script history as India A pulled off a sensational record chase of 412 against Australia A in the second Unofficial Test at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Friday. The five-wicket win sealed the two-match series 1-0 after the opener had ended in a draw.
This chase now stands as the highest successful fourth-innings pursuit by any ‘A’ side, remarkably surpassing Australia A’s previous record of 367 against Sri Lanka A at Hambantota in 2022. For India A, it significantly bettered their own previous best of 340 achieved against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge in 2003.
Rahul, displaying his trademark elegance and commanding authority, masterfully guided the innings with 16 boundaries and four towering sixes from his 210-ball stay. His magnificent knock, a perfect blend of composure and controlled aggression, formed the bedrock of India A’s historic chase. He received excellent support from Sai Sudharsan, who contributed a solid 100 runs off 172 deliveries. Skipper Dhruv Jurel also played a crucial role, maintaining the momentum with a brisk 56 off just 66 balls, featuring five fours and three sixes. Nitish Kumar Reddy (16 runs) provided vital company to Rahul as they confidently steered the team to the finish line.
The triumph is all the more extraordinary considering India A’s shaky start. After being bowled out for merely 194 in response to Australia A’s formidable first-innings total of 420, they found themselves facing a massive deficit of 226 runs. During that challenging first innings, Sudharsan’s gritty 75 was virtually the only notable resistance, as Henry Thornton (4/36) systematically dismantled their batting lineup.
However, India’s bowlers responded with fierce determination in Australia’s second innings. Mohammed Siraj (2/20) made early breakthroughs, while the spin-pace duo of Manav Suthar (3/50) and Gurnoor Brar (3/42) efficiently combined to bowl out the visitors for a modest 185. Despite skipper Nathan McSweeney’s valiant 85, the Australians set India A a daunting target of 412 runs.
Starting Day 4 at 169/2 overnight, the hosts still required 243 runs for victory. Yet, Rahul’s unwavering assurance and Sudharsan’s century gradually eroded the visitors’ confidence. When the winning runs were eventually scored, history was not just made but rewritten in Lucknow—a record-breaking chase forever etched in memory, propelled by Rahul’s majestic performance, standing as one of the finest in India A’s distinguished journey.