Four-wicket hauls from Murphy and Sangha prove insufficient for Australia A
October 05, 2025
A sensational 102 runs off just 68 deliveries from Prabhsimran Singh, brilliantly supported by half-centuries from captain Shreyas Iyer and Riyan Parag, propelled India A to successfully chase a formidable target of 317. This thrilling victory secured the three-match unofficial ODI series against Australia A with a 2-1 lead in Kanpur.
While India A appeared to be cruising at a comfortable 262 for 3 by the 35th over during their run chase, a sudden and dramatic collapse saw them lose five crucial wickets for only 39 runs, putting their pursuit in significant jeopardy. However, the resilient Vipraj Nigam and Arshdeep Singh stepped up, forging a vital, unbroken 21-run partnership for the ninth wicket. Their composure under pressure ultimately guided India A to a thrilling two-wicket triumph in the decisive match.
Prabhsimran had earlier set the perfect foundation for this chase, establishing an explosive 83-run opening partnership with Abhishek Sharma in just 11.2 overs. Although Abhishek and Tilak Varma departed in quick succession, Prabhsimran continued his aggressive batting display. His magnificent innings included eight fours and seven towering sixes before he was finally dismissed by leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha in the 20th over.
Following Prabhsimran`s departure, Iyer and Parag skillfully built upon the strong platform. They combined for a crucial 117-run stand off just 92 balls for the fourth wicket. Iyer showcased his class with 62 runs off 58 balls, marking his second fifty-plus score in three one-dayers leading up to the Australia tour. Parag matched his captain`s effort, smashing an equally impressive 62 runs off 55 deliveries.
However, Sangha`s timely dismissals of both Iyer and Parag in successive overs brought Australia A right back into contention, injecting suspense into the match. Sangha further tightened Australia A`s grip by removing all-rounder Nishant Sindhu, before Todd Murphy struck twice in two balls, sending Ayush Badoni and Harshit Rana back to the pavilion in the 42nd over. Despite this late scare, Nigam, with an unbeaten 24, and Arshdeep, with a steady 7 not out, ensured India A successfully closed out the chase with 24 balls to spare.
Earlier in the day, Arshdeep and Rana had Australia A reeling, reducing them to a precarious 44 for 4. Arshdeep claimed the wickets of openers Mackenzie Harvey and Jake Fraser-McGurk, while Rana accounted for Harry Dixon and Lachlan Hearne. Cooper Connolly`s dynamic 64 runs off 49 balls then provided much-needed resurrection for Australia A`s innings, but the visitors found themselves in trouble once more at 135 for 6 after 21 overs.
It was then that captain Jack Edwards and Liam Scott engineered a remarkable 152-run partnership off 123 balls for the seventh wicket, pushing Australia A towards a competitive total. With some valuable contributions from the lower order, Australia A managed to surpass the 300-run mark before being bowled out for 316 in 49.1 overs. Both Arshdeep and Harshit were instrumental with the ball for India A, each claiming three wickets.
