Rahul and Sudharsan’s Centuries Propel India A to Stunning Chase Against Aus A

On Friday, KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan demonstrated both discipline and flair, orchestrating a memorable chase for India A. Their efforts were instrumental in the pursuit of a formidable 412-run target, ultimately securing a 1-0 victory in the two-match ‘unofficial’ Test series against Australia A at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium.

Rahul finished unbeaten with 176 runs from 210 balls, while Sudharsan contributed 100 runs from 172 balls. Their impressive 143-run partnership for the second wicket, spread over two days, led India A to achieve the sixth-highest successful chase in First-Class cricket on Indian soil, concluding before Tea on the fourth day.

Starting the day at 169 for two and needing 243 more runs, Sudharsan initiated the morning with a sharp cover drive and reached his fifty in 92 balls. Manav Suthar was dismissed early, attempting a sweep off Todd Murphy, which brought Rahul, who had retired hurt on 74 the previous evening, back to the field.

With careful strokeplay, Rahul and Sudharsan kept the scoreboard ticking. The pitch provided less turn than Australia A had anticipated, and while some deliveries spun or stayed low, the pitch’s slow nature prevented the bowlers from posing consistent threats. Additionally, frequent fielding errors eased the pressure on the batsmen.

Sudharsan utilized sweeps and reverse sweeps against the spinners, while Rahul capitalized on short deliveries. Rahul reached his 22nd First-Class century with an elegant drive, achieving the milestone in 136 balls. Shortly after, Sudharsan completed his century in 170 deliveries but was dismissed soon after, miscuing a pull off Corey Rocchiccioli to cover.

Dhruv Jurel then partnered with Rahul, making an immediate impact by hitting the first ball he faced for four. While the Rahul-Sudharsan partnership was steady, the Rahul-Jurel stand focused on acceleration. Both players attacked the spinners, using their feet effectively to target the midwicket area.

With the introduction of the second new ball, their task became easier. Rahul drove skillfully on the off side, while Jurel repeatedly targeted the leg side. Jurel reached his fifty off 59 balls before being caught on a top-edge from a slog-sweep.

By that point, India A was nearing victory. Needing just 30 more runs, Rahul slog swept Murphy for a six over midwicket, and Nitish Kumar Reddy sealed the landmark victory with consecutive cover drives off Campbell Kellaway.

Published on September 26, 2025.