In a thrilling encounter, India A secured a two-wicket victory over Australia A in the third and final unofficial ODI, clinching the series 2-1. This tense win saw opener Prabhsimran Singh smash a blistering century, while skipper Shreyas Iyer contributed a fluent half-century.
Image Caption: India A skipper Shreyas Iyer celebrates his half-century, a strong statement following his appointment as vice-captain for the upcoming ODI series against Australia.
Chasing a formidable target of 317, India A appeared poised for a comfortable win before a sudden collapse tested their resolve. However, the calm nerves of Vipraj Nigam (24 not out) and Arshdeep Singh (7 not out) ensured the hosts crossed the finish line with four overs to spare.
Prabhsimran Singh kicked off the chase with an explosive 102 runs off just 68 balls, showcasing an array of powerful shots across the ground. Alongside Abhishek Sharma (22), he laid a strong foundation, putting on 83 runs in just 11.2 overs. Although Todd Murphy quickly dismissed Abhishek and then Tilak Varma (3), Prabhsimran remained undeterred, reaching his century in a mere 66 deliveries.
Skipper Shreyas Iyer then took charge, playing a composed innings of 62 runs off 58 balls, including seven fours and one six. His confident driving and cutting saw him reach his fifty in 51 balls, delivering a clear message after being named vice-captain for the upcoming ODIs against Australia.
After Prabhsimran’s departure to Tanveer Sangha in the 20th over, Riyan Parag (58 off 53 balls) continued the aggressive scoring with some audacious strokeplay. Their impressive 117-run partnership put India A firmly in control. However, Sangha (4/72) and Murphy (4/42) then triggered a dramatic collapse, as India A stumbled from 262 for three to 301 for eight, losing five quick wickets. Murphy even threatened a hat-trick in the 42nd over, but Arshdeep Singh’s steady defense kept India’s hopes alive.
Earlier in the match, India A’s bowlers, Arshdeep Singh (3/38) and Harshit Rana (3/61), provided an excellent start by reducing Australia A to 24 for three within six overs. Australia A, however, mounted a recovery through Cooper Connolly (64) and Lachlan Shaw (32), before Ayush Badoni (2/31) broke their partnership. Captain Jack Edwards (89 off 75 balls) and Liam Scott (73 off 64 balls) then launched a significant middle-order counterattack, forging a 152-run stand for the seventh wicket and pushing Australia A’s total to 316 in 49.1 overs.
Despite the late drama in the chase, India A demonstrated remarkable composure to clinch both the match and the series.