Tri-Series: Unmukt Chand's Fifty In Vain As India A Suffer Massive Defeat to Australia A

Following their comprehensive win against South Africa A in the opening match of the tri-series, Australia A drubbed India A by 119 runs at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium to gain a bonus point and go on top of the standings. (Highlights: India A v Australia A)

Opting to bat was the perfect choice for the visitors who, based on a 239-run opening wicket partnership between captain Usman Khawaja (100) and Joe Burns (154), guided themselves to put up a formidable total of 334/4 in 50 overs. In reply, India A succumbed to the ever increasing required run rate and folded up for 215 in 42.3 overs. (Usman Khawaja Proud Of His Bowlers)

Khawaja could not have asked for a better start for his side as he with Burns struck the monumental partnership which gave the Australians a brilliant platform to put on a big score on the board, which they eventually did.

While the left-handed Khawaja hammered three sixes and 10 boundaries, Burns smashed an incredible 14 sixes and five boundaries in his 131-ball innings. Both batsmen had scored half-centuries in their previous match on Wednesday against South Africa A. (Unmukt Chand Hints At Playing Three Spinners)

Towards the end of the innings, wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Wade also chipped in with an unbeaten 21-ball 34 which included three fours and a six.

India A did not start their chase well, losing four top order batsmen even before reaching the 100-run mark. Though the hosts scored at a required rate of over five or more, they kept losing wickets at regular intervals which led to their downfall.

India A skipper Unmukt Chand scored 52 before being bowled while Kedar Jadhav (50) scored a half-century.

Gurinder Sandhu (4/28) and legspinner Adam Zampa (4/49) were the chief destroyers for Australia A as the hosts succumbed to a huge defeat.

India A will take on South Africa A in Chennai on Sunday.

Brief scores: Australia A 334/4 in 50 overs (Joe Burns 154, Usman Khawaja 100) beat India A 215 all out (Unmukt Chand 52, Kedar Jadhav; Gurinder Sandhu 4/28, Adam Zampa 4/49).