Rahul, Sai Sudharsan drive India-A in a daunting chase

After playing a lone hand in the first innings, B. Sai Sudharsan once again provided assurance as India-A began the daunting task of chasing 412 against Australia-A on the third day of the second ‘Test’ at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Sai Sudharsan was unbeaten on 44 at stumps, guiding the host to 169 for two — still 243 runs behind. K. L. Rahul, who looked in sublime touch with 74 off 92 balls, retired hurt for reasons yet unknown.

Batting at No. 3, Sai Sudharsan showcased discipline and precision, driving elegantly through the covers and even lofting Cooper Connolly for six. His 65-run stand with Rahul steadied India-A after a strong start. Rahul stamped his authority early, glancing to fine leg before cracking back-to-back cover drives off Henry Thornton. His 55-ball half-century reflected intent. With N. Jagadeesan, he added 80 in 17 overs, punishing anything full or on the pads.

Jagadeesan, eyeing a fifty, fell to Todd Murphy. The off-spinner later bowled Devdutt Padikkal for five and left Sai Sudharsan and Manav Suthar to see out the day.

Earlier, Australia-A, resuming at 16 for three, lost Oliver Peake almost immediately — bowled by Mohammed Siraj after shouldering arms. Nathan McSweeney and Josh Philippe counterattacked with boundaries, streaky at times through the cordon.

Manav Suthar came over the wicket, allowing Philippe to sweep and reverse-sweep freely. The wicketkeeper-batter raced to a 46-ball fifty before being caught behind off Suthar. McSweeney anchored with assured defence and pulls, bringing up fifty in 98 balls, and lofted Ayush Badoni for a six.

The innings collapsed soon after. Gurnoor Brar removed Jack Edwards and Will Sutherland in successive balls, while Suthar bowled Murphy. Yash Thakur then dismissed Corey Rocchiccioli and Thornton to end the innings at 185, leaving India-A with a stiff chase.

The scores: Australia-A 420 & 185 in 46.5 overs (Nathan McSweeney 85 n.o., Josh Philippe 50, Gurnoor Brar 3/43, Manav Suthar 3/50) vs India-A 194 & 169/2 in 41 overs (K. L. Rahul 74 retd hurt, Sai Sudharsan 44 batting).