McSweeney century and Beardman’s pace steer Australia-A to 125-run win, take 1-0 lead

Australia-A beat India-A by 125 runs in the first one-dayer at the CAP Ground in Puducherry on Tuesday, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. Nathan McSweeney’s century and Mahli Beardman’s four-wicket burst were pivotal in the victory.

Australia-A won the toss and chose to bat, posting 274 in 48.2 overs after early trouble. The visitors slipped to 87 for five before a sixth-wicket stand of 141 between McSweeney and captain Will Sutherland rebuilt the innings. McSweeney finished 123 off 135 balls with 13 fours and Sutherland made 77 off 68 balls with two fours and four sixes. Suryansh Shedge returned four for 40 and removed three batters in a four-over spell to halt a late push toward 300.

India-A’s chase collapsed under sustained pace from Beardman, who finished with four wickets and produced three deliveries over 142 kmph on the speed gun. Rajat Patidar was the sole substantial Indian innings, scoring 53 off 51 balls with five fours and a six while adding stands with Ruturaj Gaikwad (15) and Nishant Sindhu (31). After those partnerships ended the lower order failed to repair the chase and India-A were bowled out for 149 in 31.4 overs.

Earlier in the innings Yash Thakur used the short ball to force Mitch Owen and Sam Konstas into mistimed pulls, contributing to Australia-A’s early position of 87 for five. McSweeney and Sutherland then consolidated, the captain accelerating as the lights came on and using his long reach to loft spinners into the leg-side fence. Just as the pair’s recovery threatened to push the total closer to 300, Shedge’s spell removed three in four overs to finish the innings at 274 and set a target of 275.

Beardman’s pace removed India’s top order and his four for 23 proved decisive in restricting the chase. Yash Thakur finished with three for 47 for Australia-A alongside Shedge’s four for 40. The match figures read: Australia-A 274 in 48.2 overs (Nathan McSweeney 123, Will Sutherland 77; Yash Thakur 3/47, Suryansh Shedge 4/40) beat India-A 149 in 31.4 overs (Rajat Patidar 53; Mahli Beardman 4/23).

Toss: Australia-A. Player of the Match: Nathan McSweeney. With this result Australia-A lead the series 1-0.