India A Dominates Australia A with a 162-Run Victory in First Four-Day Match

India A Secures Convincing Win

Puducherry [India], September 25: A remarkable display from Kumar Kushagra and Shams Mulani propelled India A to a commanding 162-run victory over Australia A in their opening four-day match at the Cap-Siechem Stadium on Friday.

Starting their second innings at 55/2 and needing 308 runs for a win, Australia A was dismissed for 200. Mulani played a key role, taking three wickets, including that of top scorer Fergus O’Neill, who made 47 runs off 52 balls, hitting six fours and a six before being caught at deep mid-wicket.

Medium pacer Anshul Kamboj (2/25) quickly dismissed the overnight batsmen Nathan McSweeney (35 off 75 balls, with five fours) and captain Peter Handscomb (16), putting Australia A on the back foot early in the day.

Following Kamboj, Tushar Deshpande (3/14) took two wickets in consecutive deliveries, removing Josh Philippe and Liam Scott, while off-spinner Tanush Kotian clean bowled Jason Sangha, leaving Australia A struggling at 185/7 by lunch.

Earlier, India A won the toss and chose to bat first. Kumar Kushagra scored 113 runs off 240 balls, supported by Tanush Kotian with 69 runs off 138 balls, and Sai Sudharsan who contributed 57 runs off 103 balls, leading India to a total of 334. Corey Rocchiccioli (4/95) and Todd Murphy (3/77) were the standout bowlers for Australia.

In their first innings, Australia A was bowled out for 171, with Shams Mulani being the standout bowler for India A, taking 4 wickets for 67 runs. Jason Sangha scored 46 runs off 64 balls, while Sam Konstas added 25 runs off 76 balls. This gave India a lead of 163 runs.

In their second innings, India A was all out for 199, with Devdutt Padikkal scoring 59 runs off 88 balls, Kumar Kushagra contributing an unbeaten 46 runs off 59 balls, and Sudharsan adding 39 runs off 85 balls, setting Australia A a target of 363 runs to win.

Kumar Kushagra was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance.

The next four-day match is scheduled to take place from September 29 to October 2, followed by three One-Day matches.

Brief scores: India A 334 & 199 defeated Australia A 171 & 200 all out in 55.1 overs (Fergus O’Neill 47, Anshul Kamboj 2-25, Tushar Deshpande 3-14, Shams Mulani 3-57, Tanush Kotian 2-57).