India A led by Devdutt Padikkal registered a comprehensive 162-run win over Australia A in first of the two-unofficial Test series in Puducherry. India A set a target of 363. None of the Australia A batters were up to the task as they were bowled out for 200 in 55.1 overs. In the second session of Day 4's play, India wrapped the proceedings with Shams Mulani and Tushar Deshpande bagging three wickets each in the innings. Wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra was named 'Player of the match' for scores of 113 and unbeaten 46.
5 wickets fall in 1st session
At the end of Day 3, Australia A were 55/2. Anshul Kamboj did not take much time to get a breakthrough for hosts. Nathan McSweeney departed after scoring 35 runs from 75 balls, including five fours. Skipper Peter Handscomb couldn't anchor the run chase either. He got knocked over by Kamboj for a 44-ball 16. Deshpande struck twice to rule out Australia A's comeback. He knocked over Josh Philippe and Liam Scott off consecutive deliveries. Then, Tanush Kotian joined the party as Jason Sangha got bowled for a 23-ball 26. Australia A lost seven wickets for 124.
Mulani wraps up Australia A’s innings
Fergus O Neill launched a counter-attack with Todd Murphy playing second fiddle. At lunch break, Australia A were 185/7. In his first over in second session, Mulani ended O Neill's fightback. He was dismissed for a 52-ball 47 featuring six fours and a six. Mulani dismissed Murphy and Brendan Doggett in consecutive overs to bowl out Australia A for 200 in 55.1 overs. India A won the match by a comfortable margin of 162 runs.
ALSO READ: 'The only night I couldn't sleep...': Gambhir's honest admission on dropping Samson for Sooryavanshi
Kushagra shines, no half-century for an Australia A batter
Kushagra made a name for himself with a rescue knock of 113 in the first innings. Kotiana and Sai Sudharsan scored fifties as India A posted 334 in the first innings. In reply, Australia A were bowled out for 171 with Mulani taking a four-fer. Padikkal scored a half-century whereas Kushagra scored an unbeaten 46 as India A posted 199 to set a massive target. The only positives for the visitors were their spinners Corey Rocchiccioli and Murphy registering a four-fer each. However, their batting faltered as none of the batters managed to score a half-century.
The second unofficial Test will begin on September 29 at the same venue.