A spirited batting display by India A lower order guided them to a hard-fought draw against Australia A on the fourth and final day of the second unofficial test. The stalemate ensured that the host side clinched the two-match series 1-0, having comfortably won the opening contest by 162 runs. Facing a steep fourth-innings challenge, India A survived relentless bowling spells to hold on until the close of play.
Rathod and Mulani Stand Tall Under Pressure
Chasing a massive target of 365 runs, India A resumed their innings on the final day from an overnight position of 28 for one. The Australian bowlers capitalised during the morning and afternoon sessions, reducing the home team to 199 for seven in 60.2 overs. With defeat looming large, Yash Rathod found solid support in Shams Mulani, and together they orchestrated a remarkable rescue effort.
The duo batted with tremendous discipline for more than 36 overs, putting on a crucial 80-run partnership for the eighth wicket. Rathod anchored the innings with a patient 80 runs, showing great composure against both pace and spin. At the other end, Mulani contributed 29 runs while consuming crucial overs. Their combined resistance drained the momentum from the visiting bowlers and took the match deep into the final session.
Late Drama and Tailender Resolve
Australia A pace bowler Liam Scott kept his team in contention by claiming five wickets for 37 runs. Scott broke the stubborn eighth-wicket stand by trapping Rathod leg-before, and struck again two overs later to dismiss Mulani. Despite the double strike, India A final pair stood firm when it mattered most. Nachiket Bhute, who remained unbeaten on 20, and Praful Hinge safely navigated the remaining three overs to seal the draw, taking India A to 310 for nine at stumps. Earlier in the innings, nightwatchman Tushar Deshpande had played a vital role by grinding out 52 runs off 119 deliveries.
Shams Mulani Named Player of the Series
Following the conclusion of the match, Shams Mulani was awarded the Player of the Series award for his consistent all-round performances across both encounters. Mulani accumulated 55 runs with the bat over the two matches and proved lethal with the ball, picking up a total of 10 wickets. His timely breakthroughs in both fixtures and defiant lower-order presence in the second match proved pivotal to the series victory.
