AUSTRALIA A TOUR OF INDIA, 2025
Centuries from KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan powered India A’s record chase © Getty
KL Rahul produced a masterclass with the bat scoring an unbeaten 176 as India chased down 412 against Australia A. It is the highest successful chase by an ‘A’ side in history. The record chase in Lucknow saw India A complete a series win by 1-0 after the first match ended in a draw. Rahul was well supported by Sai Sudharsan, who scored a century himself, in a 78-run stand before Dhruv Jurel chipped in with a quick 50 to seal the victory on Day 4 of the Test.
Resuming on 169 for 2, with another 243 runs required for victory, the game was in the balance heading into the final Day. Australia A broke through early on the Day, ending nightwatch Manav Suthar’s brief resistance of a 29-ball five. The wicket brought Rahul and Sudharsan back together at the crease after the former had retired hurt on the previous day after sharing a 65-run stand on Day 3.
Both batters looked at ease and Sudharsan soon brought up his half-century. Sudharsan began to unleash a few shots as he began to catch up with Rahul who was closing in on a ton. Rahul, reached the three-figure mark after Lunch as the Australian attack continued to look toothless. Half an hour later, it was Sudharsan’s turn to reach the landmark. But the southpaw fell immediately after off offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli.
Despite India still needing 145 more runs, Jurel came in and eased the pressure on Rahul with a quick 56 off 66 balls which included five fours and three sixes. It allowed Rahul to go about his business as he kept the scoreboard moving. Rahul then moved on to his 150 as India began to smell victory, his marathon knock of 176* included 16 fours and four sixes. After a 115-run stand between the two in less than 19 overs, Jurel fell to Rocchiccioli as Australia A tried to force a way through. But KL Rahul remained resolute while Nitish Kumar Reddy chipped in with three boundaries as India A completed a famous win.
Brief Scores: Australia A 420 (Jack Edwards 88, Todd Murphy 76; Manav Suthar 5-107) & 185 (Nathan McSweeny 85*, Josh Philippe 50; Gurnoor Brar 3-42, Manav Suthar 3-50) lost to India A 194 (Sai Sudharsan 75; Henry Thornton 4-36) & 413/5 (KL Rahul 176*, Sai Sudharsan 100, Dhruv Jurel 56; Todd Murphy 3-114) by five wickets.
© Cricbuzz
