Australia A Extend Lead Over India A on Second Day

Australia A extended their lead over India A on the second day of their four-day match on the Gold Coast, thanks to a gritty half-century from Maddy Darke.

After dismissing India A for 184 in their first innings, Australia A lost two early wickets in their second innings. However, Darke steadied the ship with an unbeaten 54, adding 54 for the sixth wicket with Maitlan Brown.

India A had resumed their first innings on 100 for 2, but Kate Peterson ran through the middle order, taking five wickets for just 16 runs. Tejal Hasabnis, Shweta Sehrawat, Sajana Sajeevan, Uma Chetry, and Raghvi Bist all fell to Peterson's bowling.

Handy lower-order contributions from Sneh Rana (25) and Mansi Joshi (22) helped India A close in on Australia A's total, but they were eventually dismissed for 184.

In their second innings, Australia A lost Georgia Voll and Charli Knott cheaply to Minnu Mani, who finished with match figures of 10 for 94. Nicole Faltum and Tess Flintoff also fell cheaply, but Darke and Emma de Broughe (58) put together a half-century partnership to stretch the lead towards 200.

De Broughe was eventually dismissed by Priya Mishra, but Darke remained unbeaten to guide Australia A to 164 for 7 at stumps. The hosts now lead by 192 runs with three days remaining in the match.

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