Tilak Varma once again showcased his growing maturity as a one-day batter with a brilliant 94, but his effort could not prevent India A from slipping to a nine-wicket defeat against Australia A in the rain-affected second List A match on Friday. Fresh from his match-winning innings in the Asia Cup final against Pakistan, Tilak continued his fine form and strengthened his case for a spot in India’s 50-over side.
India A managed a modest total of 246 after being in early trouble. The national selectors had included Tilak and the in-form Abhishek Sharma as part of their long-term plans for the top and middle order. However, Abhishek fell for a duck off Jack Edwards’ first ball, and captain Shreyas Iyer also departed for just eight, leaving India A struggling at 17 for 3.
Tilak then steadied the innings with Riyan Parag, who scored a fluent 58 off 54 balls, as the duo put together a crucial 101-run stand for the fourth wicket. Tilak later shared small partnerships of 34 with Ravi Bishnoi for the ninth wicket and 28 with Arshdeep Singh for the last wicket before being dismissed just six runs short of a deserving century. His 122-ball innings included five fours and four sixes. Edwards was the pick of the Australian bowlers, taking four wickets.
Rain Alters the Equation, Australia A Dominates The Chase
Rain caused a significant three-hour interruption in the match, altering the conditions and the chase. Australia A, who had reached 48 for no loss in 5.5 overs before the delay, were set a revised target of 160 runs in 25 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis method.
Once play resumed, batting became far easier, and the Australian batters took full advantage of the conditions. Jake Fraser-McGurk set the tone early with a rapid 36 off 20 balls before being dismissed. McKenzie Harvey then anchored the innings with an unbeaten 70 off 49 balls, while Cooper Connolly added a quickfire 50 from 31 deliveries.
Bowling Struggles Compound India A’s Woes
The Indian bowlers struggled to contain the Australian batters in favourable conditions, conceding 22 fours and six sixes during the chase. Pacer Arshdeep Singh endured a tough outing, giving away 44 runs in his four overs.
Australia A reached the target with ease in just 16.4 overs, sealing a dominant nine-wicket victory and levelling the three-match series 1-1. With the series now tied, both teams will aim for a decisive performance in the final game on Sunday. Tilak’s valiant knock was the lone bright spot for India A in an otherwise disappointing performance.
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