Kushagra's 113 and Mulani's 4-for put India A 163 ahead of Australia A
Synopsis
Kumar Kushagra's seventh first-class ton and a four-wicket burst from Shams Mulani handed India A a 163-run first-innings advantage over Australia A in Puducherry. With the tail dismissed cheaply and all five India A bowlers taking wickets, the hosts are firmly in command heading into Day Three.
Key Takeaways
Kumar Kushagra made 113 , his seventh first-class century and second in successive matches after the Duleep Trophy final.
India A posted 334 all out in 117.3 overs , with Tanush Kotian contributing 69 and Sai Sudharsan scoring 57 .
Shams Mulani took 4 for 67 to lead the bowling effort; all five India A bowlers claimed at least one wicket.
Australia A were bowled out for 171 in 55.3 overs , with Jason Sangha top-scoring on 46 .
India A hold a 163-run first-innings lead heading into Day Three at the CAP-Siechem Stadium, Puducherry .
Kumar Kushagra converted his overnight score into a composed century and left-arm spinner Shams Mulani claimed 4 for 67 as India A seized a commanding 163-run first-innings lead against Australia A on Day Two of the opening four-day match at the CAP-Siechem Stadium in Puducherry on Wednesday, 23 September 2026.
Kushagra Completes a Landmark Hundred
Wicketkeeper-batter Kushagra, who had retired hurt on 82 at stumps on Day One, returned to the crease and pushed on to 113 — his seventh first-class century and second in successive matches, following a hundred in the Duleep Trophy final. India A resumed the morning session at 257 for 5 and batted through to lunch, eventually finishing at 334 all out in 117.3 overs.
The tail offered limited resistance, with off-spinners Corey Rocchiccioli (4 for 95) and Todd Murphy (3 for 77) combining for seven wickets as India A surrendered their last five wickets for just 77 runs. Notable contributions lower down the order included Sai Sudharsan's 57 and a valuable 69 from Tanush Kotian.
India A Bowling Attack Dismantles Australia A
India A's varied attack proved too much for the visitors, reducing Australia A to a precarious 85 for 5 before any meaningful resistance emerged. Tushar Deshpande struck early, removing opener Sam Konstas for 25, while Mulani clean-bowled captain Peter Handscomb for just 8 to further deepen Australia A's troubles.
Middle-order batter Jason Sangha provided the most spirited response with a counter-attacking 46, laced with five fours and a six, and shared a 41-run sixth-wicket stand with Liam Scott (26). Mulani dismissed Scott caught behind and followed up in his next over to remove Sangha, caught at backward point attempting a reverse hit. Mulani also took the ninth wicket, that of Todd Murphy, to complete his four-wicket haul.
All five India A bowlers who operated returned with at least one wicket each, with Deshpande and off-spinner Kotian claiming two apiece. Australia A were eventually dismissed for 171 all out in 55.3 overs.
Brief Scores
India A 334 all out in 117.3 overs (Sai Sudharsan 57, Kumar Kushagra 113, Tanush Kotian 69; Corey Rocchiccioli 4-95, Todd Murphy 3-77) lead Australia A 171 all out in 55.3 overs (Jason Sangha 46; Shams Mulani 4-67) by 163 runs.
What to Watch on Day Three
India A will look to build further on their imposing lead when Australia A bat again, with Mulani and Kotian likely to be key threats on what could be a wearing Puducherry surface. The match serves as crucial preparation ahead of India's upcoming red-ball commitments, giving fringe players a vital window to press their claims.
Point of View
But the more telling story is the collective depth on display. Mulani, long considered a fringe spinner, and Kotian's 69 with the bat both underline that India's red-ball bench is genuinely competitive. Australia A's collapse to 85 for 5 before Sangha's brief rescue act also raises questions about their batting unit's readiness against quality spin — a concern that will follow them through the series.
NationPress
23 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many runs did Kumar Kushagra score against Australia A?
Kumar Kushagra scored 113 runs in India A's first innings, converting his overnight score of 82 into his seventh first-class century and his second in consecutive matches.
What were Shams Mulani's bowling figures in the match?
Shams Mulani finished with figures of 4 for 67 , dismissing Peter Handscomb, Liam Scott, Jason Sangha, and Todd Murphy to be India A's leading wicket-taker in Australia A's first innings.
What is India A's first-innings lead over Australia A?
India A lead by 163 runs after posting 334 all out and bowling Australia A out for 171 in the opening four-day match at the CAP-Siechem Stadium in Puducherry.
Who were the top performers with the bat for India A?
Alongside Kushagra's 113, Tanush Kotian scored 69 and Sai Sudharsan contributed 57 to India A's total of 334.
How did Australia A's bowling fare against India A?
Off-spinners Corey Rocchiccioli (4 for 95) and Todd Murphy (3 for 77) combined for seven wickets, but Australia A could not prevent India A from posting a competitive total as the last five wickets fell for 77 runs.
