India A registered a nail-biting two-wicket win over Australia A in the 3rd unofficial ODI in Kanpur to win the three-match IND A vs AUS A series 2-1. A hundred by Prabhsimran Singh under sunlight and inspiring half-centuries by Shreyas Iyer and Riyan Parag set up a winning chase of 317 despite a late batting collapse.
Prabhsimran Singh’s Blazing Century Sets the Tone
In a decider that India A had to win, Prabhsimran Singh set the stage for India A’s run chase with a stunning 68-ball 102, loaded with 8 fours and 7 sixes. He shared the opening with Abhishek Sharma, and together they contributed a sharp 83 runs in 11.2 overs to launch India A into an explosive start.
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Following the dismissals of Abhishek and Tilak Varma, Prabhsimran kept striking before getting out to Tanveer Sangha in the 20th over. His hundred kept India A ahead of the required rate, gaining momentum at the beginning of the chase.
Shreyas Iyer and Riyan Parag Dominate the Middle Overs
Skipper Shreyas Iyer and Riyan Parag built on a flying start – putting together a commanding fourth wicket partnership of 117 runs in 92 balls. Iyer’s free-flowing 62 off 48 balls was his second fifty of the series, a timely return to form with the Indian team heading for a tour to Australia soon. Parag also contributed well with a mature 62 off 55 balls, in a tricky circumstance.
But the game took a dramatic turn after Tanveer Sangha removed Iyer and Parag in two consecutive overs, which led to a collapse in which India A lost 5 wickets for 39 runs.
Late Collapse Sparks Australia A Comeback
In response to Sangha’s twin blow, Australia A came charging back into the game. Sangha got rid of all-rounder Nishant Sindhu, and Todd Murphy struck a crucial blow by picking two wickets in the 42nd over, dismissing Ayush Badoni and Harshit Rana in back-to-back deliveries.
India A collapsed from 262/3 to 301/8, putting Australia A in charge. However, Vipraj Nigam (24)* and Arshdeep Singh (7)* showed some grit, putting up an unbeaten 21-run partnership for the ninth wicket, which ensured a win with 24 balls remaining.
IND A vs AUS A: Australia A’s Fightback Led by Edwards and Scott
Earlier, Australia A lost their way early in their innings after being left at 44 for 4 inside the first 10 overs. Arshdeep Singh hit early, getting rid of openers Mackenzie Harvey and Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Harshit Rana got rid of Harry Dixon and Lachlan Hearne to leave India A in control.
Cooper Connolly attempted to stabilize the innings with a 64 off 49, but Australia A were in yet another spot of trouble at 135/6 in 21 overs. Captain Jack Edwards and Liam Scott staged a miraculous rescue effort with a game-altering 152-run seventh-wicket partnership, driving the team beyond 280. Australia A fell for 316 in 49.1 overs as Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana each claimed three wickets.
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IND A vs AUS A Series Result: India A Win 2-1
This victory resulted in India A take the lead in IND A vs AUS A series 2-1, demonstrating exceptional depth in batting and bowling units. Though Tanveer Sangha (4 wickets) and Todd Murphy (4 wickets) attempted a dramatic turn-around of fortune for Australia A, India A’s top-order solidity and lower-order maturity sealed the deal.
Key Performers – IND A vs AUS A 3rd ODI
Prabhsimran Singh (India A) – 102 (68)
Shreyas Iyer (India A) – 62 (48)
Riyan Parag (India A) – 62 (55)
Jack Edwards (Australia A) – Imperative half-century in 152-run partnership
Liam Scott (Australia A) – Part of vital recovery alliance
Tanveer Sangha (Australia A) – 4 wickets
Todd Murphy (Australia A) – 4 wickets
Arshdeep Singh (India A) – 3 wickets
Harshit Rana (India A) – 3 wickets
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