How Did Yastika, Radha, and Tanuja Propel India ‘A’ to a 50-Over Series Victory Over Australia ‘A’?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Yastika Bhatia scored 66 runs to contribute significantly to the chase.
- Radha Yadav added 60 runs, showing leadership in a challenging situation.
- Tanuja Kanwer played a crucial role in the latter stages with her 50 runs.
- The partnership between Tanuja and Prema was key to India's victory.
- India aims for a clean sweep in the final match of the series.
Brisbane, Aug 15 (NationPress) Yastika Bhatia, Radha Yadav, and Tanuja Kanwer each scored half-centuries as India ‘A’ secured a thrilling two-wicket victory over Australia ‘A’ to clinch the 50-over series in the second match played at Ian Healy Oval on Friday.
Choosing to bat first, Alyssa Healy led the Australian innings with a remarkable 91 runs off 87 balls, helping Australia ‘A’ reach 265/9 in their allotted overs, while the remaining batsmen failed to make significant contributions.
For India ‘A’, off-spin bowler Minnu Mani was instrumental with figures of 3-46, supported by pacer Saima Thakor who took 2 wickets for 30 runs. Other bowlers including Radha, Tanuja, Prema Rawat, and Titas Sadhu also chipped in with one wicket each.
In pursuit of 266 runs, Yastika Bhatia delivered a solid performance, scoring 66 off 71 balls, marking her second consecutive fifty in the series. However, contributions from Shafali Verma, Tejal Hasabnis, and Raghvi Bist combined for just 37 runs, leaving India ‘A’ at a precarious 193/7 in the 39th over.
After Radha fell for 60 off 78 balls, many anticipated a looming defeat. Yet, Tanuja and Prema rallied together in a stunning display, forming a resilient partnership of 68 runs off 62 balls for the eighth wicket, steering India ‘A’ to victory with just one ball remaining, coinciding with the Independence Day celebrations.
Tanuja contributed a vital 50 runs off 57 balls, showcasing her skill with powerful shots, while Prema finished with an unbeaten 32 off 33 balls, hitting the winning runs against a formidable bowling attack featuring capped players like Darcie Brown and Kim Garth.
The final match of the three-game 50-over series is set for Sunday at the same venue, with India ‘A’ aiming for a clean sweep in this one-day segment of the multi-format series.
Brief Scores: Australia ‘A’ 265/9 (Alyssa Healy 91, Kim Garth 41 not out; Minnu Mani 3-46, Saima Thakor 2-30) lost to India ‘A’ 266/8 in 49.5 overs (Yastika Bhatia 66, Radha Yadav 60; Amy Edgar 2-55, Ella Hayward 2-57) by two wickets