India A defeated Australia A by 57 runs to win the quadrangular series which was played at Mackay, a few minutes ago. It was an exceptional performance by India A who scored 266 runs with contributions from Mandeep Singh, Pandey, and Iyer. Defending this target, India A bowlers especially Chahal and Patel broke the backbone of the Australian A team.
Chasing the target of 267, Australia A got off to a reasonably solid start with Patterson and Bancroft putting on 31 runs for the first wicket. After that, Bancroft and Maddison put on 51 for the second wicket. Australia A lost two quick wickets in succession to leave them at 91 for 3. Then Ross and Maddison steadied the innings with a 77-run partnership for the fourth wicket to put Australia A in control. After the loss of Ross wicket, India A spinners Chahal and Axar Patel picked up wickets at regular intervals. Australia A were bowled out for 209 runs in 44.5 overs. The pick of bowlers for India A was Chahal with 4 for 34 in 8.5 overs, Nair, Patel and Kulkarni claimed 2 wickets each.
Earlier, India A won the toss and choose to bat. India A lost the early wicket of Karun Nair at the score of 2. After that Iyer and Mandeep Singh put on 81 runs for the second wicket. Iyer was dismissed for 41. Manish Pandey and Mandeep Singh created pressure on Australia A bowlers with an 87-run partnership for the third wicket. Mandeep Singh played an important knock of 95 runs. Pandey also played a crucial knock of 61 runs. Axar Patel and Kedar Jadhav played quick-fire knocks to help India A to post a competitive total of 266.
It was a brilliant effort by India A team to win the series after being shot down for 55 in the first match. Mandeep Singh was named the man of the match for his 95 runs, while man of the series was awarded to Australia A’s Sam Heazlett