Australia A Edge India A by Five Runs in Thrilling T20 Opener

Australia A emerged victorious in the first T20 match of India A's multiformat tour, securing a hard-fought five-run victory at Allan Border Field.

Tahlia Wilson's blistering half-century (50 off 33) laid the foundation for Australia A's innings. She shared a 74-run opening stand with Katie Mack (39), but India A's left-arm spinner Saika Ishaque triggered a collapse, claiming three wickets in quick succession.

Despite losing wickets, Nicole Faltum and Maddy Darke provided a late surge, adding 31 runs off the final two overs to propel Australia A to 163 for 5.

In response, India A's chase was anchored by Priya Punia's superb innings of 76 off 50 deliveries. She struck seven fours and three sixes, including two in three balls against Charli Knott. However, the required run rate proved elusive, and India A fell short by five runs.

Tanuja Kanwar (27) provided support to Punia, but her dismissal by Faltum proved crucial. Left-arm spinner Sophie Day impressed with her economical spell, conceding just 19 runs from her four overs.

With 28 runs coming off the 18th and 19th overs, India A entered the last over needing 16. Captain Tahlia McGrath defended the target despite conceding a boundary to Sayali Satghare.

The teams will face off again in the second T20 match on Friday at Allan Border Field, followed by the final T20 on Sunday. Three ODIs will then be played in Mackay next week, concluding with a four-day game on the Gold Coast.

Tags: #AustraliaA, #IndiaA, #T20, #MultiformatTour, #TahliaWilson