Shams Mulani was named Player-of-the-Series.
| Photo Credit: X@CAP
On a day when Yash Rathod (80, 138b, 8×4) put a lean run behind him and Tushar Deshpande (52, 119b, 4×4, 1×6) reminded of his batting credentials, it was Nachiket Bhute and Praful Hinge who emerged the unlikely heroes and secured a draw for India-A against Australia-A in the second unofficial ‘Test’ at the Siechem Cricket Stadium here on Friday.
Australia-A had resigned itself to fate because of Rathod and Shams Mulani (29, 131b, 2×4), who put up 85 for the eighth wicket, a partnership that lasted 36 overs, including 16 against a second new ball.
But Liam Scott (five for 37) broke open a window with his skiddy length deliveries that zipped low pinned them both, leaving Bhute and Hinge to play out the final three of the mandatory final 15. Australia-A threw the kitchen sink at them, packing in 10 fielders in catching positions, but still had its victory march stalled. In denying the final wicket, Bhute and Hinge also got a 1-0 series victory in the bag.
No less was the contribution from Deshpande in the morning session that instilled the hope of a draw. He cut away and lofted Jhye Richardon for two boundaries in a 13-run over to begin the day. The outcome could have been different for Australia-A had Jason Sangha grabbed his edge off Corey Rocchiccioli on 23.
However, Deshpande’s effort seemed to have been undone after India-A lost five wickets in the second session. A series-levelling win was in sight for Australia-A heading into the final session, but India-A’s tail had other plans.
The scores: Australia-A 358 & 173/4 decl. drew with India-A 167 & 310/9 in 103 overs (Tushar Deshpande 52, Yash Rathod 80, Liam Scott 5/37).
PoM: Sam Harper; PoS: Shams Mulani.
Published – October 02, 2026 07:30 pm IST
