Rahul’s 176 and Sudharsan’s steady 100 guided a successful chase with composure, class, and crucial partnerships
Lucknow
KL Rahul’s unbeaten 176 and Sai Sudharsan’s composed century powered India A to a five-wicket win over Australia A in the second four-day unofficial Test on Friday. Chasing 412, India A reached the target comfortably on Day 4 at Lucknow.
Rahul, who had retired hurt on Day 3 while batting on 74, returned to finish the job with a classy 176 from 216 balls, including 16 fours and four sixes. His fluent innings provided the backbone of the chase. At the other end, Sudharsan added 100 off 172 deliveries, striking nine fours and a six to steady the innings.
Skipper Dhruv Jurel chipped in with a quick 56 off 66 balls, hitting five boundaries and three sixes, and shared a vital 115-run partnership with Rahul. Nitish Kumar Reddy (16*) ensured there were no late hiccups, adding an unbeaten stand of 31 with Rahul to seal the win.
Australia A’s bowlers struggled to make breakthroughs. Todd Murphy finished with 3/114, while Corey Rocchiccioli claimed 2/84, but their efforts were not enough to stop the hosts.
Earlier, Australia A had posted 420 in their first innings, thanks to Jack Edwards’ 88 and McSweeney’s 74, despite left-arm spinner Manav Suthar’s 5/107. India A managed only 194 in reply, with Sudharsan contributing 75. Henry Thornton starred with 4/36 for the visitors.
Australia A then stumbled in their second innings, collapsing to 185. McSweeney’s unbeaten 85 was the lone fightback, while Gurnoor Brar (3/42), Suthar (3/50), and Mohammed Siraj (2/20) struck at regular intervals. Set 412 to win, India A chased it down in style, underlining their batting depth.