Australia A secured a 358‑run first‑innings total in Puducherry on Wednesday, leaving India A 122 for five after 51 overs and a 236‑run deficit. The match, the second of a two‑day series, saw Australia A draw level with the overnight 282 for seven before adding 80 more runs to finish all out.
Sam Harper anchored the Australian side with a century, ending on 128, while Jhye Richardson contributed 31. The duo built an eight‑wicket partnership that added 53 runs in the first session. Australia’s bowlers, particularly medium‑pacers Anshul Kamboj and Liam Hatcher, claimed the final wickets, dismissing Harper and Hatcher in successive deliveries.
India A’s innings began with a quick dismissal of opener Aayush Pandey by Richardson in the first over. Sudharsan and Padikkal then added 35 for the second wicket, but the Australian spinners turned the game. Todd Murphy removed Sai Sudharsan (8) and Yash Rathod (15), while Corey Rocchiccioli dismissed skipper Devdutt Padikkal (31). The trio of Sudharsan, Padikkal and Rathod fell for just 54 runs, and Kumar Kushagra was taken leg before by Liam Scott, leaving India A at 122/5.
India A won the opening match by 162 runs, but the recent collapse means they face a steep challenge on Day 3. With Australia A’s 358‑run lead, India must chase a substantial target, and the Australian bowlers’ performance will test the hosts’ resilience.
