IND-A vs AUS-A 2025: Rahul, Sudharsan tons help India A script record chase

India A emerged victorious against Australia A by five wickets in the second unofficial Test of the series at the Ekana International Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. With this, they clinched the series after the first match had ended up being drawn. 

The hosts resumed the day at 169/2 in 41 overs. Sai Sudharsan was six short of his half-century and was accompanied by Manav Suthar, who had arrived at the crease after the fall of Devdutt Padikkal (5 off 8) late on Day 3. Suthar's 29-ball stay could yield only five runs before he was bowled by Todd Murphy.

From that point onwards, Sudharsan and KL Rahul (who had retired not-out on Day 3) anchored the chase by batting at just the tempo India A would have hoped for. They did not leave any opportunity and dispatched the poor deliveries whenever they came by. The left-handed batter was dismissed for 100 off 172 the moment he brought up his milestone.

Out came Dhruv Jurel, who was one of the six batters from India A's lineup who fell for just one run in the first innings. The wicketkeeper-batter played much more confidently and was fluid in his stroke play while batting with Rahul. Jurel's 66-ball 56 entailed five fours and three sixes as he put up 115 runs for the fifth wicket with Rahul.

Jurel was dimssed by Corey Rocchiccioli before Nitish Kumar Reddy (16* off 14) wrapped things up along with Rahul. The seasoned pro stood unbeaten on a stellar 176 off 210 with 16 fours and four sixes, earning Rahul the Player of the Match award for his marathon effort.