India A vs Australia A: India A Seal 162-Run Win as Kushagra Scores 159 and Mulani Claims 7 Wickets

India A defeated Australia A by 162 runs in the first unofficial Test at the Cricket Association Puducherry Siechem Ground on Friday, taking a 1–0 lead in the two-match series. Australia A, chasing 363 for victory, were bowled out for 200 in their second innings.

Wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra was the standout performer with scores of 113 and an unbeaten 46, while left-arm spinner Shams Mulani finished with seven wickets in the match. Kushagra was named Player of the Match.

India A Set Australia A a Target of 363

India A posted 334 in their first innings, with Kushagra scoring 113 and Tanush Kotian contributing 69. Sai Sudharsan also made 57.

Australia A struggled in reply and were dismissed for 171, giving India A a first-innings lead of 163 runs. Mulani was instrumental with four wickets in the innings.

India A then scored 199 in the second innings. Devdutt Padikkal made 59, while Kushagra remained unbeaten on 46 to help India set Australia A a target of 363.

Australia A Bowled Out for 200

Australia A resumed their chase at 55/2 on the fourth day but could not sustain their resistance.

Fergus O'Neill top-scored with 47 off 52 balls, while Nathan McSweeney made 35. Jason Sangha contributed 26 from 23 balls and Todd Murphy scored 17.

India A's bowling attack then closed out the match, with Tushar Deshpande and Shams Mulani taking three wickets each. Anshul Kamboj and Tanush Kotian claimed two wickets apiece. Australia A were eventually dismissed for 200.

Shams Mulani Takes Seven Wickets

Mulani proved particularly effective on a pitch offering assistance to spin.

The Mumbai left-arm spinner claimed four wickets in Australia's first innings and added three more in the second innings, finishing the match with seven wickets.

Tushar Deshpande also played an important role on the final day, taking three wickets as India A dismantled Australia's lower order.

Kumar Kushagra Shines With 159 Runs

Kushagra was India's leading batter across the match.

He scored 113 from 240 balls in the first innings, including 12 fours, before making an unbeaten 46 in the second innings. His aggregate of 159 runs made him the match's leading run-scorer and earned him the Player of the Match award.

Tanush Kotian's 69 in the first innings and Padikkal's 59 in the second also helped India A build a winning total.

India A Take 1–0 Series Lead

The 162-run victory gives India A an early advantage in the two-match unofficial Test series. The first match also provided valuable performances from Kushagra, Mulani, Padikkal and other players competing for places and experience in India's wider red-ball setup.

Australia A, meanwhile, struggled against India's bowling attack after being dismissed for 171 in the first innings and 200 in the second.