Shams Mulani finished with a seven-wicket match haul as India A defeated Australia A by 162 runs in the first four-day game at the CAP-Siechem Stadium on Friday.
Mulani took three wickets in the second innings as Australia A were bowled out for 200 shortly after lunch on the final day. The left-arm spinner finished the match with figures of 7/124.
Chasing 363 for victory, Australia A had resumed their innings at 55/2 on the final morning but could not put up much resistance.
Kamboj, Deshpande Put Australia A Under Pressure
Anshul Kamboj gave India A the early breakthrough by dismissing overnight batters Nathan McSweeney and Australia A captain Peter Handscomb during the first session.
McSweeney made 35 off 75 balls, while Handscomb was dismissed for 16 as Australia A began to lose wickets at regular intervals.
Tushar Deshpande then made an immediate impact after coming on from the pavilion end. The pacer removed Josh Philippe and Liam Scott off consecutive deliveries.
Tanush Kotian added to Australia’s problems by bowling Jason Sangha, leaving the visitors seven wickets down for 185 at lunch.
Mulani Completes Seven-Wicket Match Haul
Australia A’s last recognised resistance came from Fergus O’Neill, who top-scored with 47 off 52 balls, including six fours and a six.
Mulani eventually ended O’Neill’s stay at the crease, with the batter caught at deep mid-wicket. The spinner then helped India A wrap up the innings soon after lunch.
Padikkal, Kushagra Set Up 363-Run Target
India A had built a strong position after taking a 163-run lead in the first innings.
In the second innings, Sai Sudharsan and captain Devdutt Padikkal added 68 runs for the second wicket. Sudharsan scored 39 off 85 balls before being trapped lbw while attempting a sweep against Todd Murphy.
Padikkal continued his impressive run in first-class cricket, scoring 59 off 88 balls with seven fours. He brought up his half-century with two consecutive boundaries against Liam Scott.
The India A captain was eventually dismissed for 59, again falling lbw to Scott.
India A then lost six wickets for just 48 runs, but Kumar Kushagra’s unbeaten 46 ensured they had enough of a lead to set Australia A a target of 363.
Kumar Kushagra Named Player Of The Match
Kumar Kushagra was named Player of the Match for his contribution across the game.
The second four-day match between India A and Australia A will also be played at the CAP-Siechem Stadium from September 29 to October 2. The two sides will then face each other in a three-match One-Day series.