In a pulsating finale at Green Park, Kanpur, India A edged out Australia A by two wickets to claim the unofficial ODI series 2–1. The hosts chased down a daunting target of 316 with just two balls to spare, thanks to a fiery century from Prabhsimran Singh and crucial contributions from Shreyas Iyer and Riyan Parag.
Australia A, sent in to bat first, had a shaky start at 26 for 3 after early strikes from Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana. However, middle-order resilience led by Jack Edwards (89) and Liam Scott (73) lifted the visitors to a formidable 316 all out. Their 152-run stand for the fifth wicket turned the innings around after a top-order collapse. Cooper Connolly also chipped in with 64, providing momentum through the middle overs. Arshdeep and Rana were the pick of India’s bowlers, both claiming three wickets apiece, while Ayush Badoni added two.
Chasing 317, India A came out with intent. Prabhsimran Singh tore into the Australian new-ball attack, hammering a blazing 102 off 66 deliveries, including 13 fours and five sixes. His aggressive approach set the tone and rattled the visitors. He found early support from Abhishek Sharma, adding 83 for the opening stand before the latter fell for 34. After Prabhsimran’s dismissal, Shreyas Iyer (62) and Riyan Parag (62) built a vital 117-run partnership for the fourth wicket, stabilizing the innings and taking India close to the target.
However, Australia A clawed their way back through spin. Tanveer Sangha (4 for 72) and Todd Murphy (4 for 46) dismantled the middle order, triggering a collapse that reduced India A from 262 for 3 to 301 for 8. The momentum swung sharply as wickets fell in clusters, and the game seemed to be slipping away from the hosts.
But India A’s lower order held firm under pressure. Vipraj Nigam (24*) and Arshdeep Singh (7*) showed composure beyond their experience, steering India home in dramatic fashion. With 17 needed off the final two overs, Vipraj sealed victory with a towering six off Tom Straker, capping off one of the most thrilling finishes of the series.
The win not only showcased India A’s depth but also the value of fearless batting and calmness under pressure. Prabhsimran’s maiden List A century was the defining moment — a knock full of intent, timing, and authority that reaffirmed his growing reputation. Shreyas Iyer, returning from injury, looked fluent and confident, while Parag’s continued rise as a dependable middle-order presence was another positive takeaway.
For Australia A, despite a strong total and late resurgence, inconsistency with the ball in the powerplay and lack of breakthroughs during the middle overs proved costly. Their spinners, however, displayed exceptional fight and nearly turned the game around.
Ultimately, India A’s successful chase of 316 — one of their highest in recent A-level contests — reflected the next generation’s readiness to handle high-pressure situations. The 2–1 series win cements India A’s dominance at home and offers selectors plenty to think about ahead of upcoming senior tours.
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