Suryansh Shedge’s fighting half-century and Gurjapneet Singh’s three-wicket haul helped India A register a 49-run victory over Australia A in the third and final unofficial ODI in Puducherry on Sunday. However, the hosts could not prevent Australia A from winning the three-match series 2-1.

Batting first, India A posted 275 runs in 47.3 overs, recovering from a middle-order collapse through a crucial partnership between Shedge and Vipraj Nigam. In reply, Australia A were bowled out for 226 in 46.2 overs as Gurjapneet and the Indian bowling attack dismantled their chase.

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Shedge top-scored for India A with 66 off 60 balls, while Nigam contributed 40 runs. The duo added 85 runs for the seventh wicket, lifting India A from 159/6 to a competitive total.

Suryansh Shedge, Vipraj Nigam Rescue India A

India A made a strong start after Australia A opted to bowl, with openers Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya putting together 83 runs in 10.4 overs.

Prabhsimran scored 39 off 34 balls, while Arya narrowly missed his half-century, departing for 49 off 45 deliveries. Ben Dwarshuis broke the opening partnership and finished with three wickets for 38 runs.

Will Sutherland also claimed three wickets, returning figures of 3/44, as Australia A struck regularly to put the hosts under pressure. However, Shedge and Nigam rebuilt the innings with their important seventh-wicket stand, ensuring India A crossed the 250-run mark.

Gurjapneet Singh Leads India A Bowling Fightback

Australia A began their chase positively, with Josh Philippe scoring 56 and Liam Scott contributing 26 as the visitors reached 82 without losing a wicket.

Both openers departed at the same score, but Lachlan Shaw (31) and Nathan McSweeney (39) added 58 runs for the second wicket to keep Australia A in contention.

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Gurjapneet dismissed McSweeney, triggering a dramatic collapse. Australia A lost their remaining seven wickets for just 86 runs and were eventually dismissed for 226.

Gurjapneet finished with figures of 3/56, playing a key role in sealing the victory for India A.

Despite the convincing win in the final match, Australia A took the series 2-1 after winning the first two games.