Bawne's cameo snatches thrilling series-leveling win for India A

India A emerged on top of a dramatic race to the end, snatching a superb six-wicket win over Australia A in the second unofficial Test to level the two-match series 1-1 at Alur, Bengaluru.

India A emerged on top of a dramatic race to the end, snatching a superb six-wicket win over Australia A in the second unofficial Test to level the two-match series 1-1 at Alur, Bengaluru.

After the India A bowlers managed to get rid of a stubborn Australian low-order, only 45 minutes were left in the day and India A had to get 55 runs off 8 overs.

India A changed their opening pair, with captain Shreyas Iyer promoting himself along with young Shubman Gill. However, both fell early, leaving India A reeling at 10 for 2. The decision to promote K Gowtham at no. 4 too failed and then It was Ankit Bawne, who took it upon himself to take India to victory.

Australia A resorted to negative tactics by deploying all the fielders to the boundary, leaving the Indian batters no option but go for sixes. Keeper KS Bharat hit the first six in the third over but he too departed after hitting another four off the next ball.

India A changed their tactics and started picking ones and twos to frustrate the Aussies and just when it was looking that India will fall short, Bawne changed the course of the match with 16 runs off Chris Tremain's fifth over. He remained unbeaten on 28 off 18 balls. 

Earlier, starting the day at 38 for 2, Australia A were comfortably placed at 116 for two with Travis Head (47) and Peter Handscomb (56) adding 79 for the third wicket.

However, once Head was dismissed by Shahbaz Nadeem (2/67 in 41 overs), the last six wickets fell for 73 runs.

Mitchell Marsh (36, 79 balls) and Michael Neser (17, 112 balls) consumed nearly 16 overs. For India A off-spinner Gowtham getting 3/39 and chinaman Kuldeep ending with 3/46.

Brief Scores: Australia A 346 and 213. India A 505 and (target 55) 55/4.