Australia A bounced back in emphatic fashion, defeating India A by nine wickets in the second unofficial ODI at Green Park, Kanpur. Chasing a revised DLS target of 160 runs in 25 overs after rain interruptions, the visitors reached 160/1 in just 16.4 overs, leveling the three-match series 1-1.
Mackenzie Harvey led the charge with an unbeaten 70 off 49 balls, earning the Player of the Match award as Australia A made light work of the target with 50 balls to spare.
Match Details
The Australia A tour of India continued at Green Park Stadium on October 3, 2025, with India A winning the toss and electing to bat first. However, rain played spoilsport, reducing the contest to a 25-over chase for Australia A under the DLS method.
India A’s Batting Collapse
India A’s innings began disastrously. Abhishek Sharma departed for a golden duck in the second over, caught by Sutherland off Jack Edwards’ bowling. Wicketkeeper Prabhsimran Singh followed soon after, managing just one run before being caught by Shaw off Will Sutherland.
Captain Shreyas Iyer couldn’t steady the ship either, falling for 8 as India A slumped to 17/3 inside six overs. The early collapse left the hosts scrambling for respectability.
Tilak and Parag’s Rescue Act
The India A vs Australia A, 2nd unofficial ODI scorecard took a positive turn thanks to Tilak Varma and Riyan Parag. The duo added 101 runs for the fourth wicket, reviving India’s hopes from the depths of 17/3.
Tilak Varma played the anchor role beautifully, crafting a patient 94 off 122 balls with five fours. His innings displayed maturity beyond his years, providing the foundation India desperately needed.
Riyan Parag attacked from the other end, smashing 58 runs off just 54 deliveries with a strike rate exceeding 107. His aggressive approach included crucial boundaries that accelerated India’s scoring rate during the middle overs.
Lower Order Contributions
After Parag’s dismissal in the 23rd over, India A’s middle order crumbled again. Nishant Sindhu managed just one run, and Suryansh Shedge contributed 10 before falling lbw to Lachlan Hearne.
The tail wagged briefly as Harshit Rana (21), Ravi Bishnoi (26), and Arshdeep Singh (10 not out) pushed India past 240. Tilak Varma remained at the crease until the final over, eventually falling for 94 as India A posted 246 all out in 45.5 overs.
Jack Edwards was the star with the ball, claiming 4/56 in 8.5 overs. Will Sutherland (2/32), Tanveer Sangha (2/69), and Lachlan Hearne (1/7) provided excellent support.
Australia A’s Dominant Chase
Following the rain break, Australia A needed 160 runs from 25 overs—a target they approached with aggressive intent from ball one.
Jake Fraser-McGurk set the tone early, hammering 36 off just 20 balls at a strike rate of 180. His blistering knock included seven fours and a six before Nishant Sindhu trapped him in the seventh over with the score at 57/1.
Harvey and Connolly Seal the Deal
Mackenzie Harvey, who had earlier bowled economically (1/7 in 2 overs), proved equally effective with the bat. He remained unbeaten on 70 from 49 deliveries, striking at 142.85 with ten fours and two sixes.
Cooper Connolly joined Harvey and the pair added an unbroken 103-run partnership off just 59 balls. Connolly’s unbeaten 50 came off 31 balls at a strike rate exceeding 161, featuring three fours and five sixes.
The India A vs Australia A, 2nd unofficial ODI at Kanpur result never looked in doubt once these two settled in. India’s bowlers had no answers as Australia romped home with nearly nine overs to spare.
Scoreboard Summary
| Team | Runs | Wickets | Overs | Run Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India A | 246 | 10 | 45.5 | 5.36 |
| Australia A | 160 | 1 | 16.4 | 9.60 |
Result: Australia A won by 9 wickets (DLS method)
Top Performers
India A Batting:
- Tilak Varma — 94 (122), 5×4, 0x6
- Riyan Parag — 58 (54), 4×6, 1×6
- Ravi Bishnoi — 26 (30), 2×4, 2×6
Australia A Batting:
- Mackenzie Harvey — 70* (49), 10×4, 2×6
- Cooper Connolly — 50* (31), 3×4, 5×6
- Jake Fraser-McGurk — 36 (20), 7×4, 1×6
Australia A Bowling:
- Jack Edwards — 4/56 (8.5 overs)
- Will Sutherland — 2/32 (9 overs)
- Tanveer Sangha — 2/69 (10 overs)
Match Flow: Last 10 Overs (Australia A Innings)
| Over | Runs | Total | Key Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7-12 | 52 | 109/1 | Harvey-Connolly accelerate |
| 13-16 | 48 | 157/1 | Boundaries flow freely |
| 16.4 | 3 | 160/1 | Match won with six |
Player Reaction
Mackenzie Harvey (Player of the Match): “The boys showed great character today. We knew the target was gettable after the rain break, and credit to Jake for giving us that flying start. Cooper and I just kept it simple and backed ourselves to go hard.”
Series Implications
The IND-A vs AUS-A series now stands at 1-1 heading into the crucial third and final unofficial ODI. After India A won the first match, Australia’s comprehensive victory keeps the series alive and sets up a potential decider.
Both teams will look to make adjustments ahead of the final encounter. India A’s top-order fragility remains a concern, while Australia A’s batting depth and aggressive approach have proven match-winning.
What’s Next?
The series decider promises to be a thrilling contest as both sides vie for bragging rights in the Australia A tour of India. The third unofficial ODI will determine which team claims the series, with momentum firmly in Australia’s corner after this dominant performance.
Conclusion
Australia A’s clinical performance in the India A vs Australia A, 2nd unofficial ODI result showcased their ability to handle pressure situations. Harvey’s all-round display and the team’s aggressive batting approach under revised conditions proved too strong for the hosts. The series now heads to a winner-takes-all finale.