Kanpur, India – In a contest that kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the very last few overs, India A defied a late collapse and a spirited Australian A fightback to secure a dramatic two-wicket victory in the third unofficial One Day International. This thrilling win in Kanpur sealed the three-match series 2-1 for the home side, a testament to their batting prowess and composure under pressure.
Key Performances: Prabhsimran Singh (102), Shreyas Iyer (62), Riyan Parag (62) for India A; Jack Edwards (89), Liam Scott (73), Todd Murphy (4-42), Tanveer Sangha (4-72) for Australia A.
Australia A`s Gritty Comeback
The day began with Australia A reeling, reduced to a precarious 44 for 4 thanks to the early brilliance of Indian pacers Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, who each claimed three wickets. It seemed as though the visitors might crumble, but cricket, as always, had other plans. Cooper Connolly provided some much-needed impetus with a brisk 49-ball 64, stemming the tide temporarily. However, the real backbone for the Australian innings was forged by captain Jack Edwards and Liam Scott. Their monumental 152-run partnership for the seventh wicket was a masterclass in middle-order rebuilding, pushing Australia A to a challenging total of 316 before they were eventually bowled out in the penultimate over.
One might wonder if the Indian bowlers perhaps got a little too comfortable after their initial breakthroughs, allowing such a significant recovery. A healthy reminder, perhaps, that even “A” team cricket demands relentless focus.
India A`s Blistering Start: Prabhsimran`s Power Play
Chasing 317, India A needed a strong start, and they got exactly that, and then some. Opening batsman Prabhsimran Singh took center stage, unleashing an aggressive onslaught that saw him smash a magnificent 68-ball 102. His maiden unofficial ODI century, punctuated by eight fours and seven towering sixes, set an electrifying pace and firmly put Australia A on the back foot. Alongside Abhishek Sharma, Prabhsimran laid an 83-run foundation in just 11.2 overs, creating a platform that looked unshakeable.
The Middle-Order Maestro: Iyer and Parag Take Charge
Even after Prabhsimran`s dismissal, the momentum remained with India A, thanks to the composed efforts of captain Shreyas Iyer and the dynamic Riyan Parag. The duo forged a formidable 117-run partnership off just 92 balls for the fourth wicket. Iyer, with a well-made 62 off 58 deliveries (his second fifty-plus score in the series), looked in sublime form, while Parag matched his captain`s intensity, slamming 62 runs off a mere 55 balls. At 262 for 3 in the 35th over, victory seemed a mere formality, a polite handshake away.
The Late Drama: A Series Decider`s Inevitable Twist
However, the beauty of cricket often lies in its unpredictability. Just when India A seemed to be cruising, Australia A`s spinners, Tanveer Sangha and Todd Murphy, orchestrated a stunning fightback. Sangha dismissed both Iyer and Parag in successive overs, swinging the pendulum of fortune dramatically. Murphy then joined the party, taking two wickets in two balls in the 42nd over, triggering a sudden collapse where India A lost five wickets for a mere 39 runs. From a comfortable 262/3, they found themselves teetering at 301/8, with the series win suddenly hanging by a thread. The Australian A side, despite their earlier troubles, showed commendable tenacity in refusing to yield.
The Unsung Heroes: Nigam and Arshdeep Seal the Deal
With the tension palpable and the stadium holding its breath, it fell to the relatively lesser-known duo of Vipraj Nigam and Arshdeep Singh to steer India A home. Showing remarkable calm under immense pressure, Nigam (24*) and Arshdeep (7*) added an unbroken 21 runs for the ninth wicket, ensuring India A crossed the finish line with 24 balls to spare. Their partnership, though small in numbers, was immense in significance, preventing what would have been a rather embarrassing stumble after such a dominant display.
This series decider was a true spectacle, showcasing both explosive batting and gritty resilience from both sides. India A`s victory, ultimately, was a testament to their depth of talent and the ability of their players to perform when it matters most, even if they prefer to make things interesting right until the very end.
