India A Stages Stunning Comeback to Lead Australia A in Women’s Test
Raghvi Bist and VJ Joshitha lead India A to a commanding 299, leaving Australia A reeling at 158 for 5 on Day 2.
India A staged a remarkable recovery in the one-off Women’s unofficial Test against Australia A, posting a competitive 299 all out, thanks to a gritty 93 from middle-order batter Raghvi Bist and a spirited 51 from tailender VJ Joshitha. By the close of Day 2, India A’s bowlers had reduced Australia A to 158 for 5, securing a 141-run lead with two days remaining at the Brisbane Cricket Ground.
Resuming at 93 for 5 after a rain-affected first day, India A faced early challenges. Bist, unbeaten on 26 overnight, anchored the innings with a resilient 153-ball knock, studded with 16 boundaries. She forged a crucial 64-run partnership with Radha Yadav (33) for the sixth wicket, followed by a 75-run stand with Minnu Mani (28), steering India A out of trouble. Bist fell agonizingly short of a century, dismissed for 93 by medium-pacer Maitlan Brown in the 63rd over. Mani was also dismissed by Brown soon after.
Undeterred, Joshitha and Titas Sadhu (23) added a vital 75 runs for the ninth wicket, pushing India A close to the 300-run mark. Joshitha’s 72-ball 51, featuring seven boundaries, ended when she was bowled by off-spinner Lilly Mills. Australia A’s Georgia Prestwidge (3/37) and Brown (3/65) were the pick of the bowlers, claiming six wickets between them.
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In response, Australia A struggled against India A’s disciplined bowling attack. Medium-pacer Saima Thakor (2/21) and left-arm spinner Radha Yadav (2/40) took two wickets each, while Titas Sadhu (1/27) chipped in with one. Australia A’s innings began steadily with a 46-run opening stand between Tahila Wilson (49) and Rachel Trenaman (21), but India A’s bowlers struck back, leaving the hosts at 158 for 5 after 43 overs. Nicole Faltum (30 not out) and Sianna Ginger (24 not out) were at the crease at stumps.
With a substantial lead and two days of play remaining, India A are firmly in control, setting the stage for an intriguing finish in this captivating contest.
Brief Scores:
India Women’s A: 299 all out in 89.1 overs (Raghvi Bist 93, VJ Joshitha 51; Georgia Prestwidge 3/37, Maitlan Brown 3/65).
Australia Women’s A: 158 for 5 in 43 overs (Tahila Wilson 49, Nicole Faltum 30 not out; Saima Thakor 2/21, Radha Yadav 2/40).
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