Classy pair: Sai Sudharsan and Rahul were engaged in a second-wicket stand of 143 runs spread over two days.
| Photo Credit: UPCA
K.L. Rahul and B. 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 ‘Test’ series against Australia-A 1-0 at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium.
Rahul remained unbeaten on 176 (210b, 16×4, 4×6) while Sai Sudharsan made 100 in 172 deliveries (9×4, 1×6) in a 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 more, Sai 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.
Rahul and Sai 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 consistent threats, and fumbles in the field further eased the pressure.
The southpaw employed sweeps and reverse sweeps, while Rahul punished anything short. The senior batter advanced down the track to drive past the bowler for his 22nd FC hundred. Soon after, Sai Sudharsan completed his century but perished almost immediately, mistiming a pull off Corey Rocchiccioli.
Dhruv Jurel then joined Rahul and made his intent clear by pulling his first ball for four. Their stand shifted gears, both attacking the spinners and targeting the mid-wicket region. Jurel reached his fifty off 59 balls before falling to a top edge.
With only 30 required, Rahul slog-swept Murphy for six before Nitish Kumar Reddy’s consecutive cover drives sealed a landmark victory.
The scores: Australia-A 420 & 185 vs India-A 194 & 413/5 in 91.3 overs (K.L. Rahul 176 n.o., Sai Sudharsan 100, Dhruv Jurel 56, Todd Murphy 3/114); PoM: Rahul. India-A won the two-match series 1-0.
Published – September 26, 2025 06:40 pm IST
