Photo via The Times of India

Vipraj Nigam, Suryansh Shedge save India A from a whitewash against Australia A

India A’s series against Australia A took a dramatic turn in the third unofficial One Day International in Puducherry, where a late batting surge secured a 49-run victory and prevented a whitewash. Despite an early collapse that left them at 159 for 6, Vipraj Nigam and Suryansh Shedge anchored a crucial 85-run seventh-wicket partnership, with Nigam scoring 40 off 44 balls and Shedge hitting 66 off 60.

Their aggressive yet composed approach turned the game around, setting a challenging total of 275 for Australia A to chase. Nigam also contributed with the ball, claiming a key wicket to stifle Australia’s momentum, while Shedge’s all-round impact—including four wickets in the series opener—highlighted his growing importance to the team.

Australia A, however, retained the series 2-1 after the narrow defeat, with their bowlers led by Ben Dwarshuis and Lachlan Scott restricting India A’s chase to 226.

The match saw India A’s top order falter after a strong start, with Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya providing early momentum before wickets fell at regular intervals. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s dismissal at 118 for 5 left the team in a precarious position, but Nigam and Shedge’s resilience ensured a fighting total.

Australia’s aggressive approach, particularly through short-ball tactics, exposed vulnerabilities in India’s middle order, but the late recovery demonstrated the value of their all-rounders in high-pressure situations. The win underscored the importance of adaptability in limited-overs cricket, where quick runs and tactical bowling shifts can turn the tide of a match.

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