Nathan McSweeney delivered a masterclass in resilience, scoring 123 runs to lead Australia A to a commanding 125-run victory over India A during Tuesday’s first unofficial ODI in Puducherry. While the tourists initially faltered to 30/3, McSweeney anchored the innings, finding a crucial ally in captain Will Sutherland to reach a competitive total of 274. Nathan McSweeney’s well-crafted century headlined Australia A’s dominant win over India A in the first unofficial ODI in Puducherry on Tuesday (October 6). McSweeney rescued Australia at a critical stage alongside Will Sutherland to help them post 274 before the bowlers defended the total with ease.
Australia’s early momentum, sparked by Mitchell Owen and Sam Konstas, was quickly stifled as Yash Thakur and Arshad Khan dismantled the top order. However, the partnership between McSweeney and Sutherland turned the tide. Sutherland’s aggressive cameo, which included three successive sixes against Anukul Roy, allowed him to post 77 runs. Despite a persistent effort from India A’s Suryansh Shedge, who claimed 4/40, the visitors managed to set a target of 275. Opting to bat first, Australia A appeared to put the hosts on the backfoot when Mitchell Owen hammered a six and a four in the very first over of the game. Sam Konstas then followed it up with a couple of boundaries in the second over to set the tone but India A quickly bounced back. Owen top-edged a pull to depart for just 10 and Konstas also mistimed a short-pitched delivery to give Yash Thakur his second wicket. Arshad Khan then put India A completely on top as he struck just three balls later to get rid of Josh Philippe as Australia A were reduced to 30/3 in just the fifth over. Liam Scott and McSweeney then steadied the ship with a vital partnership but Nishant Sindhu removed the former to maintain India A’s dominance.
India A’s chase never gained traction against a disciplined Australian attack. Mahli Beardman was particularly lethal, removing Sai Sudharsan early before dismantling the middle order to finish with impressive figures of 4/23. The hosts were reduced to 24/3, and despite a gritty half-century from Rajat Patidar, they struggled to build meaningful partnerships.
Spencer Johnson further weakened India A by removing the steady Ruturaj Gaikwad, and the host’s resistance eventually crumbled as wickets continued to tumble in the face of tight bowling. India A’s challenge ended in the 32nd over, with the side dismissed for just 149 runs.
The match concluded with a decisive margin, as Australia A secured the win in 48.2 overs. The final scorecard reflected the dominance of the visitors, with the brief scores reading: Australia A 274 (123 off 48.2 overs) versus India A 149 (all out in 31.4 overs), securing a comfortable start to the unofficial series.
