India A clinched a 310/9 draw against Australia A, thanks to an 80‑run partnership that kept the match alive in the final hour— a finish that left the pavilion buzzing.
The wicket‑hungry Australians began the chase strong, but the pressure hit when Yash Rathod and Shams Mulani stitched together a marathon 80‑run stand over 36 overs. Their calm, patient play steadied the innings at 199/7 and set the stage for a narrow finish.
Liam Scott rattled the Australians with 5/37, taking out the top order and then snatching Rathod leg‑before‑wicket. Two overs later, he dismissed Mulani, leaving the last‑wicket pair—Nachiket Bhute and Praful Hinge—to see the day to its end.
The final three overs were a tense battle of nerves; Bhute stayed unbeaten on 20 while Hinge held on from zero, ensuring the last‑minute survival that sealed the draw. The crowd roared, and the scoreboard flashed 310/9 at stumps.
With the series now 1‑0 in their favour, India A can breathe easier, but the path ahead is still long. Next up, the Indian squad will turn its attention to the upcoming home series against New Zealand, where every wicket will count.