Mohali, September 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India A women produced a sensational batting performance to chase down 363 and defeat Australia A women by four wickets in the third and final 50-over game of the multi-format series at the IS Bindra PCA Stadium here on Friday, sealing the series 2-1.
Minnu Mani led the remarkable pursuit with an unbeaten 88 off 56 balls, hitting 12 fours and three sixes, while Niki Prasad contributed with a 76 off 71 balls and also claimed four wickets.
India A, playing without Yastika Bhatia, Priya Punia and Sayali Satghare, reached 364/6 in 48.2 overs, completing the chase with 10 balls to spare.
The successful chase is currently the second-highest in women’s 50-over cricket, according to the source. Bengal hold the record after chasing 390 against Haryana in the 2024 Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy.
India A made a solid start through Tanisha Singh, who scored a composed 60 off 58 balls with 11 boundaries, and Vrinda Dinesh, who contributed 34 as the pair put on 67 for the opening wicket.
After Uma Chetry and Tejal Hasabnis fell for two runs each, Niki and Anushka Sharma shifted the momentum. Niki struck 10 boundaries and a six in her 76, while Anushka smashed 58 off 42 balls, including four fours and three sixes.
Minnu then took charge during the final phase. Batting at a strike rate of 157.14, she remained unbeaten and shared a crucial 106-run partnership with Niki before adding 47 with Jintimani Kalita, who finished unbeaten on 19.
Earlier, Australia A posted 362/9 in their allotted 50 overs. Charli Knott smashed 109 off 70 balls, including 12 fours and five sixes, while Courtney Webb scored 95 off 92 deliveries.
Australia’s openers, captain Tahlia Wilson (38) and Rachel Trenaman (29), added 75 before left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma struck twice in the 13th over.
Knott and Webb then put India A under pressure with a 166-run partnership for the third wicket. Knott’s aggressive century came at a strike rate of 155.71, while Webb’s 95 contained seven boundaries.
Niki Prasad broke the partnership before Hayley Silver-Holmes’ late 19 off eight balls took Australia A beyond 360. Niki and Vaishnavi finished with four wickets each, restricting Australia A from pushing the total even higher.
The multi-format series will now conclude with a four-day red-ball game beginning September 29 in Mohali.
Brief Scores: Australia A 362/9 in 50 overs (Charli Knott 109, Courtney Webb 95; Vaishnavi Sharma 4-68, Niki Prasad 4-82) lost to India A 364/6 in 48.2 overs (Minnu Mani 88 not out, Niki Prasad 76, Tanisha Singh 60, Anushka Sharma 58; Charli Knott 2-57, Lily Mills 2-81) by four wickets.
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