Shubman Gill Returns with Fifty as India Triumphs Over Prime Minister's XI by Six Wickets in Pink-Ball Warm-Up
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Canberra, December 1 (NationPress) Shubman Gill, returning from a left thumb injury, emerged as the top scorer with 50 runs as India defeated Prime Minister's XI by six wickets in the 50-over pink-ball warm-up game held at Manuka Oval on Sunday.
At the outset of the match, fast-bowling all-rounder Harshit Rana claimed 4 wickets for 44 runs, helping India bowl out Prime Minister's XI for 240 runs in just 43.2 overs. The highlight for the hosts was Sam Konstas, who dazzled with a century off 90 balls, scoring 107 runs from 97 balls, featuring 14 fours and a six.
In response, Gill struck seven boundaries during his 62-ball innings of 50, showcasing exceptional stroke play and indicating his readiness for the upcoming second Test at Adelaide Oval, commencing on December 6. Other notable contributions included Yashasvi Jaiswal (45), Nitish Reddy (42), Washington Sundar (42 not out), and Ravindra Jadeja (27), as India wrapped up their practice match with 19 balls to spare.
Despite Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant not batting, India will be pleased with the performance of the opening pair of Jaiswal and Rahul, who navigated a challenging twilight period against the new pink ball effectively. Only skipper Rohit Sharma failed to make a significant score, nicking behind off Charlie Anderson after scoring three from 11 balls.
Earlier, opener Matthew Renshaw fell early, nicking off to the second slip off Mohammed Siraj for just five runs, followed by Jayden Goodwin, who edged behind to the keeper off Akash Deep, leaving the PM XI at 22/2 after 5.5 overs.
Due to some rain interruptions, the match was shortened to 46 overs per side. However, Konstas, named Player of the Match, displayed solid stroke play, particularly remarkable for hitting a reverse ramp off Akash Deep for a boundary. In total, he scored 107 runs off 97 balls, striking at a rate of 110.3, while forming a crucial partnership of 109 runs with Jack Clayton (40). Rana helped turn the match around by dismissing Clayton, Ollie Davies, Jack Edwards, and Sam Harper, leaving the PM's XI struggling at 138/7.
Konstas found a capable partner in Hanno Jacobs, as they built an eighth-wicket partnership of 67 runs. After reaching his century, Konstas was caught in the deep off Akash Deep's bowling, while Jacobs was dismissed for 61 by Washington Sundar, concluding the PM’s XI innings.
Brief scores: Prime Minister’s XI 240 in 43.2 overs (Sam Konstas 107, Hanno Jacobs 61; Harshit Rana 4-44) lost to India 257/5 in 46 overs (Shubman Gill 50, Yashasvi Jaiswal 45; Charlie Anderson 2-30) by six wickets.
