Yash Rathod, Shams Mulani Star as India A Hold Out for Thrilling Draw
Yash Rathod and Tushar Deshpande scored dogged half-centuries, while Player of the Series Shams Mulani batted 131 balls at No. 9, as India A salvaged a thrilling draw in the second of two unofficial Tests against Australia A.
Facing a daunting fourth-innings target of 365, the hosts survived a five-wicket haul from Liam Scott to eke out a draw with just one wicket in hand. They finished just 55 runs short of an improbable win, having already clinched the series with a 162-run victory in the first game.
The final day of the four-day contest in Puducherry swung wildly. Australia A had pushed for the win from the start, capitalizing on India A’s first-innings collapse to 167 all-out. The pitch, which offered occasional low bounce, had progressively deteriorated but slowed down, giving batters slightly more time to read deliveries.
India A’s resistance began from an unlikely source: Tushar Deshpande. Batting as the nighthawk at No. 3, he scored 52 off 119 balls, consuming valuable time. He formed a useful partnership with captain Devdutt Padikkal (26), who fell to a superb catch by Josh Philippe standing up to Liam Scott. Deshpande’s 180-minute stay ended when a delivery from Liam Hatcher held up, drawing him into an early shot and a simple catch at long-off.
Shaik Rasheed adopted a counter-attacking mindset, hitting eight boundaries in his 45-ball 38, briefly raising hopes of a win. However, he was trapped in front by Nathan McSweeney. Star batter Kumar Kushagra followed when a ball from Scott shot at ankle height and dislodged the stumps. With Tanush Kotian falling to Corey Rocchiccioli, India A were seven down for 199 with a full session remaining.
Rathod and Mulani then took charge. While Mulani defended resolutely, Rathod picked up runs to keep a win in the equation. Australia A captain Peter Handscomb rotated his bowlers, with spinners completing their overs quickly to maximize time. The pair batted 216 balls for an 85-run stand.
Just as safety seemed in sight, Scott conjured another twist. Rathod fell LBW for 80, and Scott beat Mulani’s defense two overs later, putting the visitors one wicket away from victory. India A called up substitute No. 11, Praful Hinge, as Anshul Kamboj was promoted to the senior team in Chandigarh. Hinge batted out six crucial balls, while Nachiket Bhute—who had opened the game three days prior—saw off 21 deliveries before the teams shook hands under the fading Puducherry sun.
Brief Scores:
- Australia A: 358 & 173/4 (declared)
- India A: 167 & 310/9
- Key Performances: Yash Rathod 80, Tushar Deshpande 52; Liam Scott 5/37
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