Yastika Bhatia continues India’s comeback fight as she smashes a heroic 112 vs Australia A

Yastika Bhatia continued her comeback bid for India with a stunning 112 against Australia A in the second unofficial ODI in Mohali on Wednesday. The left-handed wicketkeeper hit 16 fours and two sixes in an 84-ball knock, but her brilliant century could not prevent India A from suffering a two-wicket defeat.

Yastika started at 118 for two after India started steadily and took control of the innings with aggressive but composed knocking. She reached her century in style and helped India cross 300 before getting out. Tejal Hasabnis added 60 while Anushka Sharma remained unbeaten on 60 as India A posted 338 for six.

YASTIKA CONTINUES TO MANUFACTURE ITS CASE

The innings was another timely reminder of Yastika’s abilities after she was left out of India’s limited-overs squads for the Women’s Asia Cup and Asian Games following the team’s early exit from the T20 World Cup. India made only one change to the Asian Games squad from the World Cup group, Yastika making way for G Kamalini. She was also left out of the Asia Cup squad despite her strong red ball at Lord’s.

Yastika had earlier made history in July by becoming the first woman batsman to place her name on the Lord’s Test batting honors board. She scored 113 against England in the one-off Test, producing a landmark innings that underlined her credentials across formats.

She also impressed during her brief stint with the Trinbago Knight Riders in the Women’s Caribbean Premier League. Yastika scored 35 off 28 balls on his debut and followed it up with an unbeaten 57 off 34 against Jamaica Empress. Before returning to India A, she was among the top run-scorers in the tournament.

AUSTRALIA PULL OUT THE EXCITING CHASE

338 India A looked formidable but Australia A produced a remarkable chase. Captain Tahlia Wilson led the reply with 79 off 77 balls, while Anika Learoyd’s 54 off 29 and Charli Knott’s explosive 63 off 37 set the pace decisively.

Indian bowlers led the way through Minna Mani who claimed three wickets while Sayali Satghare and Niki Prasad took two each. However, Australia’s lower order held their nerve. Hayley Silver-Holmes made 47, before Milly Illingworth’s unbeaten 22 off 14 balls and Darcie Brown’s unbeaten two sealed victory with three balls to spare.

Australia A reached 341 for eight in 49.3 overs to win by two wickets. It was a disappointing result for India A, but Yastika’s 112 was another strong individual statement as he continues to push for a return to India’s limited-overs setup.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

23 Sep 2026 18:55 IST