India A Women recovered from a middle-order collapse to finish Day 1 of the only unofficial Test against Australia A Women on 351/9 in Mohali. Tanisha Singh narrowly missed a century with 92, while Niki Prasad remained unbeaten on 78 to leave the hosts in a commanding position at stumps.
After winning the toss, India A elected to bat and enjoyed a solid opening stand through Shubha Satheesh and Priya Punia. Satheesh made a patient 59 from 117 deliveries, striking 10 fours, while Punia contributed 46 off 65 balls, including seven boundaries and a six.
Australia A struck back after the century partnership. Milly Illingworth removed Punia before Lilly Mills dismissed Yastika Bhatia for five. Mills then trapped Satheesh lbw and accounted for Tejal Hasabnis as India slipped to 120/4.
Tanisha and Anushka Rebuild the Innings
Tanisha Singh and Anushka Sharma steadied the innings with an important partnership during the afternoon session.
Anushka made 44 from 86 balls before Frankie Nicklin broke the stand, but Tanisha continued to anchor the innings. The right-hander struck 12 fours in a composed 92 from 166 deliveries before Tess Flintoff ended her impressive knock with India A on 313/6.
Niki Prasad Leads the Late Charge
Niki Prasad ensured India A maintained the momentum during the final session. Batting positively, she remained unbeaten on 78 from 99 balls, hitting 11 fours and two sixes.
Despite losing Sayali Satghare, Shabnam Shakil and Vaishnavi Sharma late in the day, Prasad guided the hosts beyond the 350-run mark. Shuchi Upadhyay was unbeaten on nought when stumps were called after 100 overs.
India A finished the opening day on 351/9, with one wicket remaining in their first innings.
Mills and Knott Share the Bowling Honours
Lilly Mills was Australia’s most successful bowler, finishing with 3/94 from 31 overs. Charli Knott also claimed three wickets, returning figures of 3/82 from 24 overs.
Tess Flintoff, Milly Illingworth and Frankie Nicklin picked up one wicket each, while Australia A continued to chip away at regular intervals despite India’s recovery.
The visitors will aim to wrap up the innings quickly on Day 2 before beginning their first innings.
Brief Scores: India A Women 351/9 in 100 overs (Tanisha Singh 92, Niki Prasad 78*; Lilly Mills 3/94, Charli Knott 3/82) vs Australia A Women.
