India A Defeats Australia A by 2 Wickets in Thrilling Series Finale

Prabhsimran Singh's explosive century was the highlight of India A's successful chase of Australia A's competitive total of 316. The Punjab Kings opener smashed 102 runs off just 68 balls, featuring eight fours and seven sixes at a strike rate of 150. His blazing knock reached the threefigure mark in only 66 balls, providing the perfect foundation for India's victory.

The 25yearold wicketkeeper batsman partnered with Abhishek Sharma (22) for an opening stand of 83 runs in 11.2 overs. Even after Sharma's departure, Prabhsimran continued his aggressive approach, adding a crucial 56run partnership with captain Shreyas Iyer before falling to Tanveer Sangha's bowling in the 20th over.

Captain Iyer and Parag's Crucial Contributions

Captain Shreyas Iyer played a composed innings of 62 runs off 58 balls, featuring seven boundaries and one six. His knock came at a crucial time, stabilizing the innings after Prabhsimran's dismissal and demonstrating the leadership qualities that earned him the vicecaptaincy for India's upcoming ODI series against Australia.

Riyan Parag complemented Iyer perfectly, scoring 58 runs off 53 balls with five fours and three sixes. The duo's 117run partnership off 92 balls proved decisive in keeping India A ahead in the chase, making the target manageable despite the mounting pressure.

Australia A's Fightback and Collapse

Australia A, batting first after winning the toss, recovered from a disastrous start to post a competitive total of 316. The visitors collapsed to 24 for three within the first six overs, with Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana making early inroads.

Captain Jack Edwards led the recovery with a brilliant 89 runs off 75 balls, partnering with Liam Scott (73 off 64 balls) in a crucial 152run seventhwicket partnership. Cooper Connolly also contributed significantly with 64 runs off 49 balls earlier in the innings.

Bowling Performance and Late Drama

Arshdeep Singh spearheaded India A's bowling attack with figures of 3/38, while Harshit Rana claimed 3/61. Ayush Badoni contributed with 2/31, helping restrict Australia A despite their lateorder resistance.

The match witnessed intense drama in the final stages as India A slipped from 262/3 to 301/8, losing five wickets in quick succession. Tanveer Sangha and Todd Murphy proved to be Australia's most effective bowlers, taking four wickets each. Murphy even threatened a hattrick in the 42nd over after dismissing Ayush Badoni and Harshit Rana off successive balls.

Heroic Finish

With India A requiring 15 runs from the final six overs with only two wickets in hand, Vipraj Nigam (24 not out) and Arshdeep Singh (7 not out) held their nerves to guide the team home. The unbroken 21run ninthwicket partnership sealed the victory with four overs to spare.

Series Summary and Recognition

The series victory completed India A's dominance over Australia A across formats, having already won the twomatch unofficial Test series 10. Prabhsimran Singh was named Player of the Match for his century, while Riyan Parag earned the Player of the Series award for his consistent performances throughout the three matches.

The series also served as preparation for Shreyas Iyer's new role as ODI vicecaptain, demonstrating his leadership capabilities ahead of India's upcoming tour of Australia. The victory showcased India A's depth and resilience, particularly their ability to perform under pressure in challenging situations.