Sam Harper’s first innings century and Liam Scott’s five-wicket haul were in vain as Australia A agonisingly fell one wicket short of a series-levelling victory against India A in Puducherry.
The hosts batted for 103 overs in the fourth innings of the four-day game, finishing 9/310 in pursuit of a target of 365 to claim a 1-0 victory in the two-match series.
Watch Australia’s Tour of South Africa Live & Exclusive on Fox Cricket, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
Reigning Sheffield Shield player of the season Scott took 5/37 from 18 overs with his medium pace to try will Australia A over the line, but India A’s middle to lower order resisted for almost 50 overs after being 5/185.
No.6 Yash Rathod top-scored for the hosts with 80 off 138 balls, while No.9 Shams Mulani made a stubborn 29 off 131 before falling lbw to South Australian all-rounder Scott with three overs left in the day.
Final pair Nachiket Bhute (20*) and Praful Hinge (0*) survived the last 18 deliveries to clinch the draw.
“It was great game and both teams played their hearts out,” India A captain Devdutt Padikkal said.
“All of them showed up and played well, it was all up to Shams and Rathod. They knew what they were doing, they have played a lot of cricket and lot of experience behind them.
“Lot of positives with the bat and ball. It was not the easiest condition for the spinners, but they did well.”
Australia A skipper Peter Handscomb added: “A great game, great spectacle, red ball cricket is the pinnacle.
“Spinners adapting to the conditions. We tried everything, tried different plans, Indian players played well. It was great experiencing the Indian conditions.”
After taking three scalps in India A’s first innings, Jhye Richardson sent down 17 wicketless overs in the second dig.
While off spin duo Todd Murphy and Corey Rocchiccioli bowled 23 overs each but only took one wicket a piece in the final innings of the game.
The three-match one-day series begins on October 6.
