Three overs to go, one wicket in hand: India A await a thrilling tie against Australia A

Yash Rathod (PTI file photo) Yash Rathod and Shams Mulani batted over 36 overs in a crucial eight-wicket partnership as India A held on to a thrilling draw against Australia A on the fourth day of the second and final four-day match in Puducherry on Friday.India A won the two-match series 1-0 after posting a 162-run victory in the opening match.Chasing 365, India A resumed on 28/1 and were reduced to 199/7 in 60.2 overs. They eventually reached 310/9 at stumps to secure a draw.Rathod, who scored 80 off 138 balls, and Mulani, who made 29 off 131 balls, put together an 80-run stand that lasted just over 36 overs. They faced 16 overs of the second new ball during their partnership and kept India A in the contest.With seven overs to go in the day, Australia A pacer Liam Scott, who finished with 5/37, dismissed Rathod leg before the wicket. Two overs later, he removed Mulani to leave India A’s last wicket pair of Nachiket Bhute and Praful Hinge with three overs to survive.Bhute, unbeaten on 20, and Hinge, unbeaten on 0, could see out those three overs to complete the draw.India A also thanked Tushar Deshpande for his earlier contribution. The nightwatchman scored 52 off 119 balls to help prevent Australia A from taking control of the game.Deshpande added 60 runs for the third wicket with skipper Devdutt Padikkal scoring 26 as India A reached 99/2 at lunch. They added 71 runs in the morning session for the loss of night batsman Aayush Pandey who made 19.India A’s position became difficult in the second over as they lost five wickets and slipped to 205/7 at tea.Scott dismissed Padikkal after he edged Josh Philipp, who was standing up to the stumps. Deshpande then mistimed a drive against fast-medium bowler Liam Hatcher and was caught at mid-on.However, Rathod and Mulani then put together a partnership that helped India A defy Australia A to victory.Sam Harper was named player of the match while Shams Mulani was named player of the series.