IND-A vs AUS-A, 2nd unofficial Test: Rahul, Sudharsan centuries script remarkable turnaround as India A hauls down 412

KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan showcased discipline and flair in equal measure to script a famous chase for India A. On Friday, the pair laid the foundation for a mammoth 412-run pursuit, helping the host clinch the two-match ‘unofficial’ Test series against Australia A 1-0 at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium.

Rahul remained unbeaten on 176 off 210 balls, while Sudharsan made 100 in 172 deliveries in a match-winning second-wicket stand of 143 runs spread over two days. Their efforts ensured India A sealed the sixth-highest successful chase in First-Class cricket on Indian soil, completing the job before Tea on the fourth day.

Resuming at 169 for two, needing 243 runs, Sudharsan opened the morning with a crisp cover drive and soon brought up his fifty off 92 balls. Manav Suthar fell early, sweeping Todd Murphy, which brought Rahul, who had retired hurt on 74 the previous evening, back to the crease.

Together, Rahul and Sudharsan kept the scoreboard moving with controlled strokeplay. The pitch offered less turn than Australia A had hoped. While the odd ball spun or kept low, the sluggish surface prevented the bowlers from posing a consistent threat. Frequent fumbles in the field further eased the pressure on the batters.

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While Sudharsan employed sweeps and reverse sweeps against the spinners, Rahul was quick to punish anything short. The senior batter advanced down the track to drive past the bowler for his 22nd First-Class hundred, scoring off 136 balls. Soon after, Sudharsan completed his century in 170 deliveries, but perished almost immediately after, mistiming a pull off Corey Rocchiccioli to cover.

Dhruv Jurel then joined Rahul and made his intent clear by pulling the first ball he faced for four. If Rahul and Sudharsan’s alliance was built on steadiness, the Rahul-Jurel stand was about acceleration. Both attacked the spinners, repeatedly using the feet to target the midwicket region.

Dhruv Jurel added a composed 56.
| Photo Credit:
Tanuj Pandey/ UPCA

The arrival of the second new ball only aided their cause. Rahul drove elegantly on the off side, while Jurel peppered the leg side with pulls. The wicketkeeper-batter reached his fifty off 59 balls before falling to a top-edge on a slog-sweep.

By then, the finish line was in sight. With only 30 runs required, Rahul slog swept Murphy over midwicket for a maximum before Nitish Kumar Reddy struck consecutive cover drives off Campbell Kellaway to seal a landmark victory for India A.

Published on Sep 26, 2025