12 September,2016 08:33 AM IST | | Gaurav Joshi
A long delay due to a wet outfield at the start of the final day's play hindered India A's chances of defending 158 against Australia A in the first four-day match here at Allan Border Field yesterday
Brisbane: A long delay due to a wet outfield at the start of the final day's play hindered India A's chances of defending 158 against Australia A in the first four-day match here at Allan Border Field yesterday.
India A struggled to get regular breakthroughs as Australia, needing 100 runs to win with six wickets in hand on final day, romped home with three wickets in hand.
India skipper Naman Ojha felt the delayed start clearly favoured the Australians. "The moisture in the wicket disappeared so the pitch became easier for batting."
Cameron Bancroft (58') batted with immense concentration and patience to chip away at the target of 159. While Bancroft was patient, his partner Beau Webster was more expansive, playing a series of glorious drives and pulls.
But just as it looked like Australia A could cruise to victory, Varun Aaron trapped Webster leg before for 30 to give India a slim hope.
Sam Whiteman came and added a further 24 to bring the target below 30 before he perished to off-spinner, Jayant Yadav.
Unfortunately for India, Bancroft was immoveable as he brought up his half-century and in the process, guided Australia to a three wicket victory with an unbeaten innings of 58.