Australia A Women pulled off a remarkable two-wicket victory over India A Women in the second unofficial ODI at Mohali, successfully chasing a daunting target of 339 to level the three-match series at 1-1.
Despite a brilliant century from India A captain Yastika Bhatia, the visitors produced a fearless batting display to reach 341/8 in 49.3 overs, sealing victory with three balls to spare.
Australia A Launch Aggressive Chase
Australia A lost Nicole Faltum early, but captain Tahlia Wilson and Anika Learoyd immediately shifted the momentum with an explosive 76-run partnership for the second wicket.
Learoyd hammered 54 from only 29 deliveries, striking at 186.20, before departing, while Wilson continued to anchor the innings. Charli Knott then maintained the attacking approach, smashing 63 off just 37 balls as Australia A consistently kept the required run rate under control.
India A’s spin attack, which had been decisive in the opening match of the series, struggled to make the same impact. Vaishnavi Sharma conceded 73 runs in her 10 overs for one wicket, while Amandeep Kaur went wicketless after giving away 71 runs in eight overs.
India Fight Back Before Australia Finish Strong
India briefly regained control as Vaishnavi Sharma removed Katie Mack before Minnu Mani dismissed Tahlia Wilson.
Wilson’s well-made 79 from 77 balls left Australia A still needing 120 runs, giving the hosts renewed hope.
However, Hayley Silver-Holmes steadied the chase with a composed 47 from 51 deliveries. Tess Flintoff added a valuable 38 off 43 balls during a crucial 65-run partnership before Milly Illingworth finished the contest in style with an unbeaten 22 from just 14 balls.
Minnu Mani returned figures of 3 wickets, while Niki Prasad chipped in with two wickets, but Australia A held their nerve to complete one of their finest successful run chases.
Yastika Leads India A With Superb Century
Earlier, India A produced an excellent batting performance after winning the toss and choosing to bat. Openers Tanisha Singh (37 off 49) and Priya Punia (36 off 32) provided a solid foundation before captain Yastika Bhatia took control of the innings.
Batting at No. 3, Yastika compiled a magnificent 112 from just 84 balls, sharing a 124-run partnership with Tejal Hasabnis, who contributed 60 from 66 deliveries.
Young batter Anushka Sharma continued her impressive form, remaining unbeaten on 60 off 46 balls to help India A finish on an imposing 338/6 from their 50 overs.
Darcie Brown was Australia’s standout bowler, claiming 3 wickets for 39 runs in eight overs.
Series Decider Awaits
Australia A reached 341/8 while chasing a target of 339. This became the defining moment, cancelling out Yastika Bhatia’s outstanding century and levelling the three-match unofficial ODI series.
With both teams now holding one victory each, the final match will decide the series after Australia A completed a memorable chase in Mohali.
