Lucknow witnessed history on Friday as KL Rahul produced a majestic unbeaten 176 to lead India A to a record-breaking five-wicket win over Australia A in the second unofficial Test at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. Chasing a daunting 412, India A reached the target in style to seal the two-match series 1-0 after the opener had ended in a draw.
The victory marked the highest successful fourth-innings chase by any ‘A’ team, eclipsing Australia A’s 367 against Sri Lanka A in Hambantota (2022). For India A, it also shattered their previous best of 340, achieved against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge in 2003.
Rahul Leads From the Front
Rahul, showing his trademark elegance and composure, anchored the innings with 16 boundaries and four sixes during his 210-ball knock. His innings blended poise with aggression, ensuring India A never lost control of the chase.
The senior batter had earlier retired hurt on Day 3 at 74 but returned on the final day to script one of the finest fourth-innings knocks in India A history. The performance comes at the perfect time for the 33-year-old, who is set to play a pivotal role in the upcoming West Indies Test series — his first red-ball assignment at home since his prolific tour of England, where he scored 532 runs in five matches.
Sudharsan, Jurel Provide Support
At the other end, Sai Sudharsan’s patient 100 off 172 deliveries provided the perfect foil to Rahul’s brilliance. His knock, decorated with nine fours and a six, not only stabilized the innings when Rahul was briefly off the field but also justified his selection for the West Indies Tests, where he is expected to bat at No. 3.
Skipper Dhruv Jurel added a quickfire 56 off 66 balls, laced with five boundaries and three sixes. His aggressive partnership of 115 with Rahul ensured the run chase never lost momentum. In the closing stages, Nitish Kumar Reddy (16*) kept his composure, stitching together a vital 31-run stand with Rahul to carry India A over the finish line.
From Setback to Glory
The record-breaking win was made even sweeter by the circumstances. India A had been dismissed for just 194 in their first innings, trailing by 226 after Australia A posted 420, powered by skipper Nathan McSweeney’s gritty 85.
However, the bowlers roared back. Mohammed Siraj (2/20) provided early breakthroughs, while left-arm spinner Manav Suthar (3/50) and pacer Gurnoor Brar (3/42) combined to bowl Australia A out for 185 in their second innings. That fightback set up the platform for Rahul and company to chase down the mammoth 412 — a target no ‘A’ team had ever achieved before.
The result is not just a historic win for India A but also a statement about the bench strength of Indian cricket. Rahul’s form ahead of the West Indies Tests is a huge boost for the senior team, while Sudharsan’s temperament at No. 3 adds further depth to the batting lineup.
For Jurel’s men, this victory will go down as one of the proudest moments in India A’s journey — a record chase, sealed in style, against one of the strongest ‘A’ teams in world cricket.