Prabhsimran’s Century Secures Series for India A Amidst Late Drama

In a thrilling encounter at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur, India A’s batters initially struggled against the spin attack of Australia-A, attempting reckless shots that proved costly. However, Vipraj Nigam managed to steer the team to victory, preserving Prabhsimran Singh’s hard-earned century (102 off 68 balls, including 8 fours and 7 sixes) and ensuring India A successfully chased down the 317-run target in the third unofficial one-day match.

India A began the chase strongly but suffered a collapse, losing five wickets for just 39 runs, including key players Shreyas Iyer and Riyan Parag. This gave Australia A a glimmer of hope for a comeback. Yet, Nigam remained composed, delivering decisive shots against Liam Scott to secure a two-wicket win and clinch the series.

Initially, Prabhsimran set the tone with an aggressive display, sidelining Abhishek Sharma during the PowerPlay and reaching his sixth List A century in just 66 balls. He tackled the on-side field set by Australia A with precision, despite being hit on the helmet by Tom Straker. Prabhsimran countered with a powerful short-arm jab and later hooked Straker for six over fine leg.

Todd Murphy posed a threat, claiming quick wickets, but Prabhsimran continued with his aggressive play, executing a late cut against Tanveer Sangha and adding two more sixes to his tally. After his dismissal for 145 in the 20th over, the partnership between Shreyas Iyer and Riyan Parag added 117 runs, stabilizing the innings. However, both made identical errors, falling while attempting ambitious shots, leaving India A at 262 for three, which soon turned to 301 for eight after their exits.

Australia A’s resistance was fueled by a 152-run seventh-wicket partnership between Scott and captain Edwards, who rescued their team after half the side collapsed at 115. Scott hinted at a recovery with a six off Nigam, while Edwards also contributed with significant boundaries.

Despite fierce hitting from Scott and Edwards, Gurjapneet Singh’s strategic bowling slowed their momentum. Harshit Rana’s introduction didn’t disrupt their rhythm, but it was Gurjapneet’s slower deliveries that anchored the game back for India A. Scott and Edwards eventually fell to pressure, with Scott caught off a wide delivery from part-time spinner Ayush Badoni and Edwards falling shortly after.

Australia A ended with a total of 316, a manageable target for India A after a late batting order collapse that tested their mettle but ultimately didn’t derail their chase. Earlier, bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana exploited swinging conditions effectively to dismantle Australia A’s top order. Despite a valiant effort by Cooper Connolly scoring 64 off 49 balls, Scott and Edwards walked out with significant contributions but not enough to seal a win.

This closely contested match concluded with India A taking a 2-1 series win.