Fine half-centuries from Yastika Bhatia, Radha Yadav, and Tanuja Kanwar led India A to a thrilling two-wicket victory over Australia A, clinching the series, after Alyssa Healy’s brilliant knock set a high
target for the visitors in the second women’s one-dayer on Friday.
India now leads the three-match series 2-0 in the multi-format tour, having lost the three-match T20 series 0-3. Chasing 265 for 9, mostly built on Healy’s 87-ball 91, India was in trouble at 193 for 7 after losing Yastika (66 off 71 balls) and Radha (60 off 78 balls).
However, all-rounder Tanuja batted responsibly for her 50 (57 balls), helping India A to win on the second-last ball of the match. Tanuja formed a crucial 68-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Prema Rawat (32 not out), who has excelled with the ball in the series, as they took charge to overcome the challenge.
The pair focused on the task, relying on quick runs between the wickets, gradually turning their partnership into a match-winning stand. Tanuja was dismissed close to the target, but Prema and pacer Titas Sadhu managed to score the five runs needed for victory in the final over.
India A had won the first one-dayer at the same venue by three wickets on Wednesday. Wicketkeeper-batter Yastika showed early intent after seeing her opening partner Shafali Verma (4) and Dhara Gujjar (0) return to the dressing room quickly.
Shafali has had an underwhelming tour, not scoring a half-century so far in the series. She aims for a spot in the squad for the upcoming Cricket World Cup later this year in India and Sri Lanka. However, her performance in this series, following some promising displays in India’s tour of England, might affect her chances.
Yastika played determinedly, crafting her innings with nine boundaries and working to pull India out of trouble. Despite being at 83/4, she continued to plod along, eventually departing in the 29th over, leaving India A in a better position at 151/5.
Skipper Radha Yadav, who shared a 68-run stand with Yastika for the fifth wicket, continued the good work before departing in the 39th over, leaving India at 193/7 with still some distance to cover.
Tanuja and Prema’s efforts finally secured the win for India A. Earlier, Healy’s 91, featuring eight boundaries and three sixes, helped the hosts reach a solid 265/9.
This series is crucial for Healy as she will lead Australia’s campaign in the upcoming Women’s Cricket World Cup in the Indian subcontinent. She laid the foundation for a competitive total, though she missed a century.
Healy’s 58-run partnership for the second wicket with Rachel Trenaman (24) helped Australia A recover after losing Tahlia Wilson early. Despite losing partners, Healy kept up the scoring tempo. Her departure in the 30th over was a setback, reducing the hosts to 155/5. However, pace bowler Kim Garth’s 41 towards the end helped the hosts post a fighting total.
Brief scores:
Australia A: 265 for 9 in 50 overs (Alyssa Healy 91, Kim Garth 41 not out; Minnu Mani 3/46).
India A: 266 for 8 in 49.5 overs (Yastika Bhatia 66, Radha Yadav 60, Tanuja Kanwar 50, Prema Rawat 32 not out; Amy Edgar 2/55).
(With PTI Inputs)
