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Key Points

Australia A leveled the unofficial ODI series with a commanding nine-wicket victory using the DLS method. Despite Tilak Varma's excellent 94, India A could only manage 246 after their top order collapsed early. Mackenzie Harvey and Cooper Connolly then smashed an unbeaten century partnership to chase down the revised target of 160 in just 16.4 overs. The series decider will be played on Sunday at the same Kanpur venue.

Key Points: Australia A Levels Series vs India A Despite Tilak Varma 94

  • Tilak Varma's fighting 94 went in vain as India A collapsed to 246 all out
  • Australia A's Harvey and Connolly blasted an unbeaten 103-run partnership in 59 balls
  • India A's top order failed again with Abhishek Sharma out for a golden duck
  • Rain interrupted play, revising the target to 160 which Australia A chased in 16.4 overs
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Second Unofficial One-Day: Tilak's 94 goes in vain as Australia A blow away India A to level series 1-1

Mackenzie Harvey and Cooper Connolly's explosive partnership guides Australia A to a dominant 9-wicket DLS victory, squaring the unofficial ODI series 1-1.

"They adopted a belligerent approach and added 103 runs in a mere 59 deliveries - Match Report"

Kanpur, October 4

Australia A trounced India A with a nine-wicket victory (DLS method) in a rain-curtailed unofficial One-Day to level the three-match series at 1-1 at Green Park in Kanpur on Friday.

Mackenzie Harvey and Cooper Connolly were the prime architects of India A's downfall. They adopted a belligerent approach and added 103 runs in a mere 59 deliveries for the second wicket to blow the hosts away.

India A opted to bat first after winning the toss and succumbed to 246. Tilak Varma top-scored with 94, while tail-enders Harshit Rana (21), Ravi Bishnoi (26) and Arshdeep Singh (10*) chipped in with valuable contributions to drive India's scoreboard.

Abhishek Sharma, who replaced last match's centurion Priyansh Arya, holed out to Will Sutherland off Jack Edwards and returned with a golden duck in the second over. The series opener match-winners, Prabhsimran Singh (1) and captain Shreyas Iyer (8), perished early on, leaving India threadbare on 17/3.

Tilak and Riyan Parag came to India A's rescue, adding 101 runs. Parag was the aggressor among the duo, with Tilak focusing on anchoring the innings. Parag struck 58 off 54 before Sutherland had him caught, which initiated another mini-collapse. India A lost three wickets for 18 runs, leaving them in complete turmoil.

While Tilak took his time, Harshit came in and played a swift cameo in the 33-run stand. Yudhvir Singh soon returned on (4), and Ravi Bishnoi arrived at the crease to add the much-needed impetus. Tilak kept the scoreboard ticking before Jack Edwards removed him in the 46th over to complete his four-wicket haul and bundle out India on 246.

Incessant rain arrived during Australia A's chase of 5.5 overs and caused a lengthy delay. The chase eventually resumed with the target revised to 160 in 25 overs. The tourists accomplished it in just 16.4 overs, with Harvey cracking 70* off 49 balls while Connolly hammered 50* off 31. The series decider will take place on Sunday at the same venue.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Tilak Varma showed great character with that 94! He's definitely ready for the senior team. But our bowling looked completely clueless against Harvey and Connolly. Need better strategies for the decider.
A
Arjun K
The rain interruption completely changed the game. 160 in 25 overs was too easy for Australia A. Our bowlers couldn't adapt to the revised conditions. Hope we bounce back stronger on Sunday! 🇮🇳
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Sarah B
Respectfully, the team selection seems questionable. Why drop Priyansh Arya after his century? Abhishek Sharma getting a golden duck shows the risk didn't pay off. Hope the management rethinks for the final match.
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Vikram M
Harvey and Connolly's partnership was brutal - 103 runs in just 59 balls! Our bowlers had no answers. But credit to Tilak and the tailenders for taking us to 246. Sunday's match will be exciting! 🏏
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Michael C
Good learning experience for our young players. These A-team matches are crucial for development. The middle order collapse after Parag's dismissal was the turning point. Better luck next time, boys!

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