India A clinched a thrilling two-wicket victory over Australia A in the second women’s one-dayer, securing a 2-0 lead in the three-match series with one ball to spare. Half-centuries from Yastika Bhatia (66 off 71 balls), Radha Yadav (60 off 78 balls), and Tanuja Kanwar (50 off 57 balls), coupled with an unbeaten 32 from Prema Rawat, powered India A to chase down a formidable 265 for 9 set by Australia A, anchored by Alyssa Healy’s 91.

The match, part of a multi-format tour following India A’s 0-3 loss in the T20 series, saw India A struggle at 193 for 7 after losing key batters Yastika and Radha. However, a resilient 68-run eighth-wicket partnership between Tanuja and Prema turned the tide. The duo’s disciplined approach, focusing on quick running and calculated risks, thwarted Australia A’s bowling attack. Tanuja fell just short of the target, but Prema and Titas Sadhu sealed the victory with five runs in the final over.

Yastika set the tone early, countering the quick dismissals of Shafali Verma (4) and Dhara Gujjar (0) with a determined 66, including nine boundaries. Her 68-run stand with captain Radha steadied India A from 83 for 4, though Radha’s departure left a steep climb. Shafali’s continued struggles in the series may impact her World Cup selection prospects.

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Australia A’s total was built on Healy’s aggressive 91, featuring eight boundaries and three sixes, supported by a 58-run stand with Rachel Trenaman (24) and a late 41 not out from Kim Garth. Despite losing wickets, Australia A reached 265 for 9, with Minnu Mani claiming 3 for 46 for India A.

This victory follows India A’s three-wicket win in the series opener, underlining their dominance in the 50-over format and boosting morale ahead of the Women’s Cricket World Cup later this year.

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