Patidar’s 67 falls short as Australia-A take second one-dayer

India-A lost the second one-dayer to Australia-A by 69 runs at the Cricket Association Pondicherry Siechem Ground in Puducherry on Friday, falling short in a chase of 276. Australia-A had earlier posted 275 and then bowled India-A out for 206.

Australia-A won the toss and elected to bat. Mitchell Owen gave them a brisk start before being removed by a slower ball from Yash Thakur. Sam Konstas and Josh Philippe added 101 for the second wicket, and Philippe struck eight fours during his run-a-ball knock. As the older ball became difficult to score off, Australia-A were dismissed for 275 off the penultimate delivery.

India-A’s reply began badly: skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad played three cover drives before being caught at deep backward point, and three batters were back in the hut inside the first PowerPlay. "If brute pace dismissed the India-A openers in the first one-dayer, the lack of it proved fatal this time round."

Rajat Patidar (67, 82b, 3x4, 1x6) held the middle overs and stitched crucial partnerships to keep India-A in contention. He was eventually dismissed when he mistimed a pull off left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson (three for 35) to deep square leg.

India-A were bowled out for 206 in 45.2 overs, giving Australia-A a 69-run victory. Spencer Johnson was named Player of the Match.

The win ensured Australia-A clinched the series 2-0. The scores: Australia-A 275 in 49.5 overs (Sam Konstas 67, Josh Philippe 58) bt India-A 206 in 45.2 overs (Rajat Patidar 67). Toss: Australia-A. PoM: Johnson.