Dramatic Win: India A Secures Series Against Australia A

Brisbane, Aug 15 (PTI) Fine half-centuries from Yastika Bhatia, Radha Yadav, and Tanuja Kanwar powered India A to a thrilling two-wicket win over Australia A, sealing the series with a game to spare. The win came in dramatic fashion, with just one delivery left in the second women’s one-dayer on Friday. This victory gives India A a commanding 2-0 lead in the three-match series, part of a broader multi-format tour, despite having lost the preceding T20 series 0-3.

India A, set a challenging target of 266, had initially struggled, in part due to a formidable innings by Australia A's captain, Alyssa Healy, who scored 91 off 87 balls. At one stage, India was precariously placed at 193 for 7, especially vulnerable after the dismissals of Yastika (66 off 71) and Radha (60 off 78).

However, spin-bowling all-rounder Tanuja Kanwar emerged as the hero, crafting a calculated 50 off 57 balls. Her efforts were crucial to a recovery that saw India A snatching victory on the second-to-last ball. She forged a pivotal 68-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Prema Rawat, who remained unbeaten on 32 and has been a standout performer with the ball throughout the series.

The duo focused on their mission, balancing aggressive play with quick runs between the wickets, gradually mounting a comeback. Just as victory seemed certain, Prema was dismissed, leaving Tanuja and pacer Titas Sadhu to face pressure in the final over, but they managed to scrape the five runs needed for triumph.

This match followed India A’s series-opening victory at the same venue just two days prior, which they won by three wickets.

The foundation of India A's chase was laid by wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia, who displayed tenacity after early setbacks saw the loss of her opening partner Shafali Verma (4) and Dhara Gujjar (0). Shafali, who has yet to score a half-century in this series, will be keen to improve ahead of the upcoming Cricket World Cup, a tournament where she aims to secure her place in the India squad.

Yastika, showing determination, constructed her innings with nine boundaries, pulling India from trouble at 83/4 eventually leaving at 151/5, providing momentum. Skipper Radha Yadav continued the work, adding a 68-run stand with Yastika, until her own departure in the 39th over meant India needed to rebuild again at 193/7.

The partnership between Tanuja and Prema, with over fifty runs required, proved decisive. Earlier in the day, Healy's innings, which included eight boundaries and three sixes, propelled Australia A to a commendable 265/9. Her scoring pace was evident despite the fall of wickets around her. Healy's partnership with Rachel Trenaman (24) helped recover from the early loss of Tahlia Wilson, but her departure at 155/5 was a setback. Kim Garth's valuable 41 not out helped Australia A bolster their total towards a competitive 265.

Brief scores: Australia A: 265 for 9 in 50 overs (Alyssa Healy 91, Kim Garth 41 not out; Minnu Mani 3/46). India A: 266 for 8 in 49.5 overs (Yastika Bhatia 66, Radha Yadav 60, Tanuja Kanwar 50, Prema Rawat 32 not out; Amy Edgar 2/55).

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