Last Updated on 46 minutes ago by Charbel Coorey
Australia A have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the One Day series against India A in Puducherry. Like the first match, Australia A worked their way to a 270+ total before dominating with the ball to seal victory.
This time, the top order set the platform in the 69-run win. Sam Konstas (67) and Josh Philippe (58) put on a 101-run stand for the second wicket, leaving India A with plenty to do to restrict the visitors. The hosts were able to take regular wickets in the second-half of the innings, showing how batting became trickier as the ball softened.
“Lucky the toss went my way and we batted first,” said Australia A captain Nathan McSweeney after the match. “If you can get a total in the 270-300 range, it becomes tough with the ball going soft.”
Australia A pace bowlers too good for India A in One Day series
Pace bowlers Spencer Johnson, Ben Dwarshuis and Riley Meredith made inroads in the powerplay. Johnson dismissed Devdutt Padikkal for a single before taking a spectacular catch at deep third man to dismiss Ruturaj Gaikwad off the bowling of Meredith. Dwarshuis then got in on the act, dismissing Sai Sudharsan with a short delivery.
Despite Rajat Patidar’s 82-ball 67, Australia A looked in control on a surface offering bounce. India A never managed to stitch any substantial partnerships together, and by the time Patidar was dismissed in the 33rd over, the match looked a formality with four wickets remaining.
Vipraj Nigam (23) and Anukul Roy (34*) showed some resistance down the order, but it wasn’t enough. Johnson was the pick of the bowlers with 3/35 as the bowlers stepped up with a star from the last game – Mahli Beardman – rested for the second encounter.
“Our pace bowlers have been excellent,” McSweeney said. “The first game, we did not start well, so it was important to set the tone early. Hopefully we can finish off (the series) well.”
India A captain Ruturaj Gaikwad rued the loss of early wickets. He gave credit to the Australia A bowlers for adjusting well to the Puducherry conditions.
“Not the start we would like to have. When you lose three in the powerplay, you are on the back foot, and after that, we were playing catch-up,” Gaikwad said.
“Lot of credit to them (Australia A) – they have adjusted to the conditions very well. They have hit their lengths really well and have been consistent.”
The third and final One Day match will be played on Sunday at the same venue.
