Puducherry, September 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Shams Mulani and Tushar Deshpande spearheaded India A’s bowling attack as the hosts defeated Australia A by 162 runs in the first four-day fixture at the CAP-Siechem Stadium here on Friday.
Resuming their second innings at 55/2 and chasing 363 for victory, Australia A were bowled out for 200 shortly after lunch. Left-arm spinner Mulani finished with three wickets in the innings and a match haul of seven for 124.
Medium pacer Anshul Kamboj struck early on the final day, dismissing overnight batters Nathan McSweeney for 35 and Australia A captain Peter Handscomb for 16 in the opening hour.
Tushar Deshpande then removed Josh Philippe and Liam Scott off successive deliveries, while off-spinner Tanush Kotian bowled Jason Sangha to leave Australia A struggling at 185/7 at lunch.
Fergus O’Neill top-scored for the visitors with 47 off 52 balls, including six fours and a six, before Mulani had him caught at deep mid-wicket to complete India A’s victory.
India A had earlier built a 163-run first-innings lead after being dismissed for 334 against Australia A’s 171. In their second innings, opener Sai Sudharsan scored 39 while captain Devdutt Padikkal made 59 to help the hosts set Australia A a target of 363.
Padikkal, who recorded his fourth 50-plus score in as many first-class matches, reached his half-century with successive fours off Liam Scott. He was eventually dismissed for 59, with India A losing their final six wickets for 48 runs.
Kumar Kushagra, who remained unbeaten on 46 in the second innings after scoring a century in the first, was named Player of the Match.
The second four-day match between the two sides will also be played at the venue from September 29 to October 2, followed by three One-Day matches.
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