Australia A successfully claimed the three-match unofficial ODI series after defeating India A by 69 runs in the second encounter. By posting a total of 275 and restricting the hosts to just 206, the tourists guaranteed a series win with one game remaining. The foundation of the triumph was built upon a vital 101-run partnership between Sam Konstas and Josh Philippe for the second wicket, which provided the necessary stability after an early flurry of aggression. Australia A’s total of 275 proved too many for India A as the visitors won the second unofficial ODI by 69 runs to seal the three-match series 2-0 with a game to spare.
Early Momentum and Middle-Order Stability
Winning the toss and choosing to bat, the Australians initiated their innings with high intent. Mitchell Owen took immediate charge, plundering 17 runs off Arshad Khan’s opening over and sprinting to 25 runs from a mere 12 deliveries. Although he was eventually dismissed by Yash Thakur, his quickfire cameo set the tone. Konstas and Philippe subsequently consolidated the position, navigating the middle overs with precision. Philippe displayed excellent form, reaching a half-century in 53 balls before falling for 58 to a catch at mid-wicket. Konstas anchored the top order to record a score of 67 from 88 balls, despite top-edging a pull shot to the wicketkeeper later in his stay.
India A’s Bowlers Fight Back
Despite being positioned comfortably at 207 for 3 during the 37th over, Australia A faltered in the final phase. The Indian attack found ways to stifle the run rate and claim regular wickets, ultimately bowling out the tourists for 275 in 49.5 overs. Arshad Khan utilized reverse swing effectively to secure 3 for 56, while Yash Thakur varied his pace with cutters to finish with respectable figures of 2 for 46.
Chasing Woes and Disciplined Bowling
India A experienced a disastrous start to their response, losing top-order pillars Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, and Ruturaj Gaikwad within the opening Powerplay. Meredith rattled the lineup with a short-pitched delivery to dismiss Sudharsan, while Spencer Johnson’s sharp fielding efforts and bowling accuracy saw the hosts struggle significantly. Rajat Patidar offered the most resistance, crafting a patient 67 that included partnerships with Nishant Sindhu, yet the required rate climbed too high.
Final Collapse
Once Patidar was caught at deep mid-wicket off a short delivery from Johnson, the middle order crumbled rapidly. Johnson proved to be the standout performer with the ball, finishing with figures of 3 for 35. Although Anukul Roy provided some late resistance with an unbeaten 34—highlighted by two boundaries and two sixes—the tail could not withstand the pressure. The match concluded in the 46th over when Yash Thakur was caught behind off Mitchell Owen, confirming the 69-run margin.
- Australia A 275 all-out in 49.5 overs (Sam Konstas 67, Josh Philippe 58; Arshad Khan 3-56, Yash Thakur 2-46)
- India A 206 all-out in 45.2 overs (Rajat Patidar 67; Spencer Johnson 3-35, Riley Meredith 2-31)
