India A defeated Australia by 2 wickets to wrap up the three-match Women ODI series in Australia in style, taking an unbeatable 2-0 lead after a dramatic win in the second match in Brisbane. India managed to chase down a mammoth total of 266 with just one ball to spare.
Australia A Sets 265-Run Target
After opting to bat, Australia A scored 265 for 9 in their 50 overs. Alyssa Healy anchored the innings with a brilliant 91 off 87 balls, hitting 8 fours and 3 sixes. Kim Garth also chipped in with a solid 41. However, Indian bowlers kept things under control, where Minnu Mani was the pick of the bowlers with 3 wickets, while Saima Thakor took 2 scalps.
India in Trouble at 157/6
While chasing, India were off to a good start as the opener Yastika Bhatia smashed a fluent 66 from 71 balls, hitting nine boundaries. But after her dismissal, India collapsed to 157 for 6. Key batters like Shafali Verma (4), Dhara Gujjar (0), Tejal Hasabnis (19), and Raghvi Bist (14) were unable to make an impact, and the hosts bounced back in the game.
Tanuja Kanwar and Prema Rawat Save the Day
When the momentum of the match was shifted towards Australia, skipper Radha Yadav stepped up with a fighting 60 off 78 balls. She found solid support in Tanuja Kanwar, who came in at number eight and played a crucial knock of 50 from 57 balls. Even after Radha got out, Prema Rawat held her nerve, finishing unbeaten on 32 from 33 balls. Together, the lower order guided India to 266/8 in 49.5 overs, sealing a thrilling 2-wicket victory and the series win.
Brief scores:
Australia A: 265 for 9 in 50 overs (Alyssa Healy 91, Kim Garth 41 not out; Minnu Mani 3/46).
India A: 266 for 8 in 49.5 overs (Yastika Bhatia 66, Radha Yadav 60, Tanuja Kanwar 50, Prema Rawat 32 not out; Amy Edgar 2/55).