India A Make Steady Start Before Aussie Spinners Tighten Grip in Thrilling 4-Day Clash
India A faced a stiff challenge from the hosts’ spinners as they chased a daunting target set by Australia A in their four-day clash, reports ESPNcricinfo.
Maddy Darke’s unbeaten 105 and a crucial 58 from Grace Parsons helped Australia A post 260 in their second innings, setting India A a tough target of 289 to win. The visitors made a solid start to their chase, but the home side’s spinners, led by captain Charlie Knott and leggie Parsons, gradually took control of the proceedings.
“Physically [I’m] probably not in the best shape at the minute, but really goes to show this format of the game, the way it tests you both physically, mentally and tactically as well,” said Darke, who was delighted to have her family in attendance for her heroic knock.
Openers Fall, Middle-Order Struggle
Opener Shweta Sehrawat was the first to depart, falling lbw to Knott, but Priya Punia and Shubha Satheesh added 52 runs for the second wicket to steady the innings. However, the introduction of spin proved crucial as Punia was dismissed by a sharp catch from Georgia Voll off Lilly Mills, and Satheesh was caught behind off Tess Flintoff.
India A captain Minnu Mani and Sajeevan Sajana also fell to the impressive spin duo of Knott and Parsons, leaving the visitors reeling at 149/6. But Raghvi Bist and Uma Chetry held firm to see out the day, with India A still needing 140 runs to win on the final day.
Darke’s Century Propels Australia A
Earlier, Australia A had resumed their second innings with a 192-run lead. Darke, who had scored an unbeaten 106 in the previous one-day game, continued her impressive form, finding able support from Parsons to help the hosts post a challenging total. Mani was the pick of the India A bowlers, finishing with figures of 6/92.
The four-day match between India A and Australia A is part of a multi-format tour and promises an enthralling finale as the visitors attempt to chase down the daunting target on the final day.
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