Kanpur: Shreyas Iyer captain India A to a 2-1 series victory over Australia A in the third and final one-day match held on October 5. Chasing an imposing target of 317 runs, India A secured the win through a collaborative batting effort. Australia A, led by quick knocks from Liam Scott (73) and skipper Jack Edwards (89), set a challenging score.
India A’s innings began with notable contributions from Prabhsimran Singh, alongside Iyer and Riyan Parag, who rallied to keep pace with the visitors. Despite a late collapse that raised concerns, Vipraj Nigam and Arshdeep Singh’s composed performances guided their team to victory.
Riyan Parag, who did not make the cut for India’s forthcoming ODI series against Australia, was awarded Player of the Series for his three half-centuries. Meanwhile, Iyer, also recognized as vice-captain, made significant contributions with a century and a fifty in his preparation for the senior team.
The match commenced with Prabhsimran taking the initiative, effectively countering Australia’s bowling despite limited strikes for Abhishek Sharma, who had recently played in the Asia Cup. Prabhsimran’s aggressive play earned him a remarkable century off just 66 balls, although he was dismissed shortly after.
With Prabhsimran out, Iyer joined Parag in a meaningful partnership, successfully rotating strikes while minimizing risks. As both players reached their half-centuries, Australia A made a critical comeback, leading to the loss of four wickets for just 39 runs.
However, Nigam rose to the occasion, hitting vital boundaries and a six to solidify India A’s path to victory. This series served as a crucial preparation for the players aspiring to join the national team, particularly for individuals like Parag, who are determined to earn a spot in future international tournaments, including the World Cup in South Africa in 2027.
