Australia A Clinch Series Against India A After Dominant 69-Run Victory

Australia A secured a comprehensive 69-run victory over India A in the second unofficial ODI on Friday, clinching the three-match series with one game remaining. The visitors set a challenging target of 276 before their bowling attack dismantled the Indian top order to seal the result.

After being sent in to bat, Australia A posted 275 all out in 49.5 overs. The foundation for the total was laid by a 101-run second-wicket partnership between Josh Philippe and Sam Konstas. Philippe, who was dismissed cheaply in the series opener, struck a fluent 58 off 58 balls, while Konstas anchored the innings with a patient 67 from 88 deliveries. Despite a mid-innings collapse that saw seven wickets fall for 107 runs, the visitors reached a competitive score, with Arshad Khan leading the Indian bowling effort with figures of 3/56.

Rajat Patidar provided the only significant resistance for the hosts, crafting a determined 67 off 81 balls. He shared a 51-run stand with Nishant Sindhu for the fifth wicket, offering a brief glimmer of hope for a recovery. However, the Australian attack remained relentless, led by pacer Spencer Johnson, who finished with impressive figures of 3/35. Johnson’s spell was pivotal, as he claimed the key wicket of Patidar to effectively end India A's hopes of a comeback.

Following Patidar’s departure, the tail offered little resistance, and the innings concluded at 206 all out in 45.2 overs. Anukul Roy remained unbeaten on 34, but his late contribution could not prevent the defeat. With the series already decided, India A will look to salvage pride in the final match, while Australia A will aim to complete a clean sweep.