India A rode on a solid all-round performance to clinch the Quadrangular one-day series, thrashing Australia by 57 runs in the final clash at Mackay on Sunday. Electing to bat after winning the toss, India A put up 266/4 in their 50 overs before bowling out the hosts for 209 in 44.5 overs.
Mandeep Singh was India’s star batsman with a 108-ball 95, which included 11 hits to the fence. Mandeep, who was named Player of the Match, combined with captain Manish Pandey (61) to steer India to what turned out to be a winning total.
Shreyas Iyer also played a vital role and contributed 41 runs. Australia had four wicket-takers, with one scalp each.
In reply, Cameron Bancroft (34) and Nic Maddinson started well, but it was Yuzvendra Chahal (4-34) who was the ultimate winner from the innings, taking key scalps and bringing the game India A’s way.
Australia A skipper Pete Handscomb (43) combined with Alex Ross (34) to edge closer to the total, but the back end of the game went completely in the tourists favor as they claimed the last five wickets for just 26 runs. India A have now claimed the last three ‘A’ series, defeating Australia A on each occasion in the final. The other two teams in the series were South Africa A and the Australian National Performance Squad.
Brief Scores:
India A: 266/4 in 50 overs (Mandeep Singh 95, Manish Pandey 61, Chris Tremain 1/42).
Australia A: 209 in 44.5 overs (Peter Handscomb 43, Yuzvendra Chahal 4/34).
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)