Learoyd, Webb set up 3-0 win for Australia A

NEW CHANDIGARH — Australia A completed a dominant 3-0 sweep of the T20 series against India A, holding off a fierce chase to win the third and final encounter by seven runs at New Chandigarh. After choosing to bat first, Australia A overcame a stuttering start that saw both openers dismissed inside the powerplay. Mid-order pillars Anika Learoyd and Courtney Webb turned the momentum with a crucial century partnership. Learoyd anchored the innings with a sparkling 61 off 42 balls (five fours, three sixes), while Webb provided steady support with 52 off 42 deliveries (five fours, one six). Left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma finally broke the century stand by trapping Webb in the 17th over, and Sayali Satghare removed Learoyd in the final over as the visitors finished on 168 for 5. Chasing 169, India A looked primed for a consolation victory. Openers Vrinda Dinesh and Tejal Hasabnis blitzed 84 runs in just 7.4 overs. Though Sianna Ginger removed Hasabnis for 42, Vrinda pressed on to reach a blistering half-century by the 11th over. However, the game turned on its head in a dramatic mid-innings collapse. India lost captain Anushka Sharma in the same over Vrinda reached her milestone, triggering a steep slide. Lilly Mills delivered a devastating double-strike in the 14th over, removing Minnu Mani and Niki Prasad. From a commanding position, India A dramatically unraveled, losing their final six wickets for just 29 runs to fold for 161 with a ball to spare. What’s Next The tour shifts formats as the two sides gear up for three one-day matches, followed by a one-off unofficial Test in Dharamsala.