India A lose the second ODI as well; Australia A clinch the series by taking a 2-0 lead
A top-order collapse proved to be India's undoing. Powered by half-centuries from Josh Philippe and Sam Konstas, Australia A posted 275 runs. In reply, pacer Spencer Johnson dealt a major blow to India's chase, claiming three wickets. Despite a fighting 67 from Rajat Patidar, India A were bowled out for 206 in 45.2 overs.
Xtra Time Web Desk
India A suffered a 69-run defeat against Australia A in the second one-day match, as the hosts took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series to clinch it.
A top-order collapse proved to be India's undoing. Powered by half-centuries from Josh Philippe and Sam Konstas, Australia A posted 275 runs. In reply, pacer Spencer Johnson dealt a major blow to India's chase, claiming three wickets. Despite a fighting 67 from Rajat Patidar, India A were bowled out for 206 in 45.2 overs.
India's top-order batters, Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan and Ruturaj Gaikwad, failed to make an impact. Their dismissals left India reeling at 30 for three after nine overs, from which the visitors never managed to recover.
Konstas scored 67, while Philippe contributed 58 to Australia's total of 275. For India A, Arshad Khan picked up three wickets, while Yash Thakur claimed two.
Chasing 276 for victory, India A got off to a disastrous start. Sudharsan managed just 13 runs, Padikkal was dismissed for one, and Gaikwad departed after scoring 12. The early setbacks put India under immense pressure.
Patidar fought hard with a determined 67, but he received little support from the other batters. Anukul Roy remained unbeaten on 34, yet his effort was not enough to prevent India's defeat.
With the top order failing to deliver and the middle order unable to build meaningful partnerships, Australia A secured a comfortable 69-run victory. The win also sealed the three-match series 2-0, with one game still to be played.
