Photo via Hindustan Times

Despite second-innings collapse, India A still favourites to beat Australia A on final day in Puducherry

India A holds a commanding position heading into the final day of their opening four-class fixture against Australia A, despite suffering a dramatic batting collapse in their second innings. Captain Devdutt Padikkal anchored the innings with a solid half-century, while Kumar Kushagra added an unbeaten 46 to push the overall target to an imposing 363 runs.

Spinner Todd Murphy wreaked havoc on the batting lineup by claiming four wickets, yet the hosts established a massive advantage early on through a strong opening stand between Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan. In response, the visiting side stumbled to 55 for two by stumps, leaving them with an uphill battle to survive the entire final day and avoid defeat.