KANPUR – In a resounding display of white-ball dominance, India A delivered a formidable statement in the first unofficial One Day International against Australia A, securing a massive 171-run victory. The match, held in Kanpur on October 1, 2025, after an initial rain delay on the scheduled Tuesday, saw India A’s batting lineup fire on all cylinders, spearheaded by magnificent centuries from opener Priyansh Arya and captain Shreyas Iyer.
Match Summary:
- India A: 413 for 6 (Shreyas Iyer 110, Priyansh Arya 101, Riyan Parag 67)
- Australia A: 242 all out (McKenzie Harvey 68, Jack Sutherland 50; Nishant Sindhu 4-50)
- Result: India A won by 171 runs
- Venue: Kanpur
A Batting Masterclass Unfolds
Upon winning the toss and opting to bat, India A wasted no time asserting their authority. The opening pair of Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, rekindling their successful IPL 2025 partnership for Punjab Kings, laid a rock-solid foundation. Their 135-run stand set the tone, demonstrating both aggression and control. Arya was particularly impressive, carving out a well-deserved century (101 runs) that showcased his growing prowess at the top of the order.
However, it was captain Shreyas Iyer who truly dictated the flow of the innings. Marking his return to List A cricket after a brief hiatus following the Champions Trophy in March and a subsequent red-ball sabbatical due to back concerns, Iyer looked utterly unbothered by any rust. He unleashed a blistering attack on the Australian A bowlers, smashing 12 fours and 4 sixes en route to a sublime 110 runs from just 78 deliveries. His knock was a timely reminder of his immense talent and crucial form for white-ball assignments, effectively silencing any lingering doubts about his match readiness. Rajat Patidar, originally slated to lead, made way for Iyer, who stepped up brilliantly.
“The sheer aggression and clinical execution from the Indian A batsmen left very little room for Australia A to breathe. A target of 414 is not just daunting; it`s a profound statement of intent that resonates through the cricketing world.”
The middle order continued the onslaught, ensuring the momentum never waned. Riyan Parag, with a brisk 67, and Ayush Badoni, contributing a swift 50, added vital half-centuries, pushing the score past the 380-mark even after Iyer`s dismissal in the 47th over. All-rounder Nishant Sindhu, alongside Badoni, then delivered the final flourish, steering India A to an imposing total of 413 for 6. The Australian A bowlers, despite their best efforts, struggled to contain the torrent of runs, with Liam Scott being the only one to concede less than seven runs an over – a minor consolation in an otherwise punishing innings.
Australia A`s Chase: A Mountain Too High
Chasing 414 runs is, by any cricketing standard, a gargantuan task. Australia A began their innings with a flicker of hope, reaching 116 for 1 in the 13th over, suggesting they might just attempt the impossible. Opener McKenzie Harvey led the charge with a spirited 68 off 62 balls, and captain Jack Sutherland later added a quickfire 50 off 33. For a fleeting moment, one could almost hear the whispers of a miracle, or at least a highly respectable fight.
However, the whispers quickly turned to a whimper with the fall of Cooper Connolly’s wicket. This proved to be the pivotal moment, triggering an irreversible collapse. The remaining nine Australian A wickets tumbled for a mere 126 runs, and the innings concluded abruptly in 33.1 overs, leaving almost 17 overs unused. India A’s spinners, Nishant Sindhu (4-50), Ravi Bishnoi (2-49), and Ayush Badoni (1-36), proved to be the architects of destruction, sharing seven crucial wickets amongst them. They meticulously dismantled Australia A’s middle and lower order, making short work of what little resistance remained.
Debutante Gurjapneet Singh also made his presence felt, securing 1 for 40 in his five overs – a promising start to his List A career, fast-tracked into the India A squad. His performance hints at the depth of talent India is nurturing, even in the absence of established stars.
Looking Ahead: Reinforced Strength for India A
This comprehensive victory not only marks a dominant start to the series but also serves as a strong confidence booster for the India A squad. The team’s batting depth and effective spin attack were clearly on display. The anticipation for the remaining two one-dayers is now heightened, especially with the impending arrival of Asia Cup hero Tilak Varma, who is set to further bolster India A’s already formidable lineup.
Australia A, meanwhile, will need to regroup and strategize quickly. This defeat highlights the immense challenge of touring India, where conditions and opposition quality demand absolute precision and resilience. The series promises more exciting cricket, but for now, India A stands tall, having delivered a white-ball masterclass that will undoubtedly send ripples through the cricketing fraternity.
