Bist scored 93 off 153 balls with 16 boundaries before falling to Maitlan Brown in the 63rd over. Mani followed shortly, also dismissed by Brown
Brisbane
Middle-order batter Raghvi Bist and tail-ender VJ Joshitha powered India A’s fightback against Australia A in the one-off women’s unofficial Test, as the visitors posted a competitive 299 and then reduced the hosts to 158 for five on the second day.
Resuming on 26 overnight, Bist batted with patience and determination. She first added 64 runs with Radha Yadav, who made 33, for the sixth wicket. Later, she stitched a crucial 75-run partnership with Minnu Mani, who contributed 28, to pull India out of early trouble.
Bist’s 93-run knock came off 153 balls and included 16 boundaries. She fell just seven short of a century when pacer Maitlan Brown bowled her in the 63rd over. Mani also departed soon after, also dismissed by Brown.
However, the lower order did not give in. Joshitha, batting at number nine, scored a vital 51 with seven fours in 72 balls. Alongside Titas Sadhu, who added 23, she shared another 75-run partnership for the ninth wicket, pushing India close to 300. For Australia A, Brown (3/65) and Georgia Prestwidge (3/37) were the standout bowlers.
In reply, Australia A struggled against disciplined bowling. Saima Thakor struck twice with figures of 2/21, while Radha Yadav picked up 2/40. Sadhu added one wicket to keep the hosts under pressure.
Skipper Tahila Wilson top-scored with 49, combining with Rachel Trenaman (21) for a 46-run opening stand. At stumps, Nicole Faltum (30 not out) and Sianna Ginger (24 not out) kept Australia’s hopes alive.
The hosts still trail India A by 141 runs, with two days left in the match.
