Lucknow, September 26, 2025 – In a high-octane finish at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, India A chased down 412 runs to defeat Australia A by five wickets, clinching the two-match unofficial Test series 2-0.
The hero of the match was KL Rahul, whose magnificent unbeaten 176 off 210 balls anchored the chase. Despite retiring hurt on Day 3 due to fever, he returned on Day 4 to guide India A home in style.
Match Summary
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia A | 420 | 185 | Lost by 5 wickets |
| India A | 194 | 413/5 | Won by 5 wickets (Target: 412) |
India A completed the chase in 89 overs on the fourth day, showcasing grit, depth, and clinical execution.
Key Performances
Batting Heroes
- KL Rahul (176 off 210)* – A masterclass in patience and precision, returning from illness to seal victory.
- Sai Sudharsan (101) – A mature century at the top, building the platform for the record chase.
- Dhruv Jurel (56 off 66) – Accelerated the chase in the final hour with crisp strokes.
Bowling Standouts
- Manav Suthar (8/157) – The left-arm spinner’s control and breakthroughs changed the match.
- Gurnoor Brar (6 wickets) – Key strikes in both innings, including Australia’s middle order.
- Siraj & Yash Thakur (2 wickets each) – Kept pressure on with vital dismissals in the second dig.
Day-by-Day Highlights
- Day 1: Australia A posted 420. India A faltered to 194, trailing by 226.
- Day 2: Australia A collapsed for 185, courtesy of Suthar and Brar. India began chase cautiously.
- Day 3: Rahul (74*) and Sudharsan (44*) steadied India A to 169/2. Rahul retired hurt due to fever.
- Day 4: Rahul returned, Sudharsan reached his ton, and Jurel’s fireworks ensured a famous win.
What It Means
The win gives India A a morale-boosting 2-0 triumph ahead of the senior team’s Test series against West Indies. It also highlighted the rise of youngsters like Sudharsan and Suthar while reaffirming Rahul’s reliability at the top.
Australia A leave with valuable experience on subcontinental pitches, with Nathan McSweeney and Todd Murphy among the positives.
Quotes
- KL Rahul (India A Captain): “It was about staying calm in the chase. The fever was a hiccup, but the team’s belief carried us through. Proud of the bowlers for setting it up.”
- Nathan McSweeney (Australia A): “We needed early breakthroughs on the final day, but Rahul’s innings was class. Credit to India A for the fightback.”
