Australia A has clinched the three-match unofficial ODI series against India A after a dominant 69-run victory in the second encounter, moving to a 2-0 lead with one match remaining. After winning the toss and electing to bat, the visitors posted 275 all-out in 49.5 overs, a target that ultimately proved too steep for the hosts, who were bundled out for 206 in 45.2 overs.
The foundation for Australia A was laid by Sam Konstas and Josh Philippe, whose 101-run partnership for the second wicket stabilized the innings. Mitchell Owen provided a blistering start, smashing 25 off just 12 balls before being dismissed by Yash Thakur. Philippe continued the momentum, striking a 53-ball 58 before pulling a delivery straight to mid-wicket. Konstas anchored the middle period, eventually top-edging a pull to the keeper for 67 off 88 balls. Despite a promising position of 207 for 3 in the 37th over, the Australians faltered late, as Arshad Khan exploited reverse swing to claim 3 for 56 and Thakur utilized effective cutters to finish with 2 for 46. And India A’s chase never recovered from an early slide, with Rajat Patidar’s 67 the only substantial score as the hosts were bowled o, sam Konstas and Josh Philippe’s 101-run stand for the second wicket set up the total. Australia A, opting to bat after winning the toss, got off to a flying start courtesy Mitchell Owen, who took 17 runs off the first over by Arshad Khan and raced to 25 off just 12 balls before holing out off Yash Thakur’.
India A’s response suffered an immediate collapse, losing top-order batters Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, and Ruturaj Gaikwad within the Powerplay. Padikkal and Gaikwad fell to efficient fielding efforts, while Riley Meredith bounced out Sudharsan. Rajat Patidar offered significant resistance with a controlled 67, recording his second half-century of the series. He found support from Nishant Sindhu, with whom he shared a 46-run stand for the fifth wicket, but the innings lost its way once Patidar was caught at deep mid-wicket off Spencer Johnson.
Johnson proved to be the chief destroyer for the tourists, finishing with figures of 3 for 35. The lower order offered little resistance, with Suryansh Shedge, Vipraj Nigam, and Arshad Khan departing in quick succession. Anukul Roy provided a late display of defiance with an unbeaten 34, featuring two boundaries and two sixes, but the match concluded in the 46th over when Yash Thakur was caught behind off the bowling of Owen, leaving India A well short of their target.
The match concluded with Australia A at 275 all out and India A at 206 all out. The victory underscores a comprehensive performance by the touring side, who relied on disciplined bowling and key contributions from their top order to dominate the series thus far.
