India A Aim for Another Dominant Show against Australia A in 2nd ODI

India A were dismissed for 246 in 45.5 overs after electing to bat first in the second unofficial ODI against Australia A at Green Park Stadium on Friday, setting the visitors a target of 247 to level the three-match series. Following a dominant 171-run victory in the opener, where centuries from Shreyas Iyer and Priyansh Arya powered India A to 413 for six, the hosts struggled early but recovered through a resilient century partnership between Tilak Varma and Riyan Parag. Varma top-scored with 94 off 122 balls, anchoring the innings with calculated aggression, while Parag contributed a steady 50. However, regular wickets prevented a bigger total, leaving Australia A optimistic in their chase under overcast conditions that could bring rain interruptions. At the time of reporting, Australia A had started strongly, reaching 11 without loss after two overs.

The match saw India A bolstered by the return of key players from the senior team's triumphant 2025 Asia Cup campaign, including Abhishek Sharma, Arshdeep Singh, Tilak Varma, and Harshit Rana, who played pivotal roles in securing India's record ninth title. Despite this, the innings began disastrously, with opener Abhishek Sharma falling for a golden duck to Jack Edwards, followed by Prabhsimran Singh and captain Shreyas Iyer (8) departing cheaply, reducing the side to 21 for three. Varma and Parag then steadied the ship with a 100-run stand, Parag reaching his half-century in 49 balls before being caught at mid-on. Varma, batting at No. 4, displayed maturity, blending defence with timely boundaries, but fell agonisingly short of his maiden ODI tonne, caught at long-off attempting a big shot.

Australia A's bowling attack, led by captain Jack Edwards and Mackenzie Harvey, exploited the early movement, with Edwards claiming crucial scalps, including Iyer and Abhishek. The visitors' fielding was sharp, restricting boundaries and effecting key dismissals, such as Yudhvir Singh caught at deep midwicket and Harshit Rana (21 off 13) at short third. Lower-order contributions from Ravi Bishnoi (26) and Suryansh Shedge helped push the total past 200, but the innings folded with overs to spare. Australia A will rely on explosive opener Jake Fraser-McGurk, all-rounder Cooper Connolly, and leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha to mount a competitive chase, aiming to build on their first-match lessons where they were bundled out for 242.

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This series serves as a crucial platform for fringe players eyeing national selection, with India A's depth tested amid senior commitments. The Green Park pitch, known for assisting seamers early, offered variable bounce, influencing the low-scoring affair compared to the opener. With no live telecast available in India, fans are following updates via official BCCI channels. As Australia A begins their reply, the match hangs in balance, potentially decided by how well they navigate India A's potent bowling lineup featuring Arshdeep Singh and Ravi Bishnoi.

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