India A salvaged a measure of pride in the final match of their series against Australia A, securing a 49-run victory in Puducherry on Sunday. While the tourists had already clinched the three-match unofficial One-Day series, the hosts avoided a clean sweep thanks to a resilient display from their lower-middle order.
The match turned on a vital seventh-wicket partnership between
All-rounders anchor the Indian recovery
Shedge, who was called up as a late replacement for Hardik Pandya, justified his inclusion with a brisk 66 off 60 balls. Nigam provided excellent support, contributing 40 runs from 44 deliveries. Reflecting on their partnership, Nigam noted that the duo focused on occupying the crease to ensure the team posted a competitive score, acknowledging the lack of batting depth remaining in the lineup.
The Indian innings had initially shown promise with an opening stand of 50 between Prabhsimran Singh, who made 39, and Priyansh Arya, who contributed 49. However, the momentum shifted when Australia A employed a short-ball strategy. The hosts slumped from 83-0 to 118-5, with key batters including Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, and Nishant Sindhu failing to make significant impacts. Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad also fell for 33, leaving the recovery entirely to the lower order.
Bowlers seal the result in Puducherry
Defending 275, the Indian bowling attack maintained consistent pressure to dismiss Australia A for 226 in 46.2 overs. Nigam, who also showcased his leg-spin, played a pivotal role by claiming the wicket of opener Josh Phillipe, who had looked dangerous while scoring 56 off 48 balls. Gurnoor Singh led the bowling effort with 3-56, while Yash Thakur and Nishant Sindhu chipped in with two wickets apiece.
For Australia A, Ben Dwarshuis and Will Sutherland were the standout performers with the ball, each taking three wickets to restrict the Indian total. Despite the defeat in the third match, the visitors concluded the series with a 2-1 victory. For India A, the win provided a positive conclusion to the series, highlighting the depth and utility of their all-rounders under pressure.
