Rathod, Mulani's Grit Secures Series Win for India A
Yash Rathod and Shams Mulani's gritty partnership secures a draw for India A, helping them clinch the series 1-0 against Australia A.
In a high-stakes battle in Puducherry, India A showed immense resilience to fight back from the brink of defeat, securing a hard-fought draw against Australia A on the final day. This crucial result ensured that India A clinched the two-match series 1-0, following their dominant performance in the opening fixture.
Lower-Order Heroics Save the Day
Chasing a formidable target of 365, India A found themselves in a precarious position. After starting the final day at 28/1, the batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of the Australian attack, slipping to 199/7. However, the match was turned on its head by a defiant eighth-wicket partnership between Yash Rathod and Shams Mulani.
The duo batted together for over 36 overs, frustrating the Australian bowlers and keeping India A's survival hopes alive. Rathod played a magnificent, gritty innings, scoring 80 off 138 balls, while Mulani provided vital support with 29 off 131 balls. Their stand helped push the total to 310/9 by stumps, ensuring the match ended in a draw.
Australia A's Bowling Surge
Despite the resistance, Australian pacer Liam Scott proved to be the difference-maker during the latter stages of the day. Scott delivered a lethal spell, finishing with impressive figures of 5/37. He eventually broke the Rathod-Mulani partnership by trapping Rathod leg before wicket, before dismissing Mulani just two overs later.
The match reached a nail-biting conclusion in the final three overs, with the last-wicket pair of Nachiket Bhute and Praful Hinge holding firm. Bhute remained unbeaten on 20 to ensure India A avoided a total collapse and secured the draw.
Key Contributions from Deshpande and Padikkal
Earlier in the day, the fightback was made possible by a crucial contribution from nightwatchman Tushar Deshpande. His composed 52 off 119 balls prevented Australia A from gaining total control of the contest. Deshpande shared a vital 71-run partnership for the third wicket with captain Devdutt Padikkal (26), helping India A reach 99/2 at lunch.
However, the momentum shifted heavily toward the visitors during the second session. India A suffered a middle-order collapse, losing five wickets to slide to 205/7 by tea. The breakthroughs came from Liam Scott, who dismissed Padikkal, and Liam Hatcher, who removed Deshpande.
Awards and Recognition
Following the conclusion of the match, Sam Harper was named Player of the Match for his standout performance. Meanwhile, Shams Mulani was recognized for his consistency throughout the tour, being adjudged Player of the Series.