Mulani takes seven in the match as India A go 1-0 up against Australia A

Shams Mulani completed a seven-wicket match haul as India A defeated Australia A by 162 runs in the first unofficial Test in Puducherry on Friday. The visitors struggled on a deteriorating fourth-day surface and were bowled out for 200 while chasing 363. India A had earlier posted 334 in their first innings before dismissing Australia A for 171. After setting a challenging target, India A bowled Australia A out in 55.1 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Australia A Struggle on Fourth-Day Pitch Australia A resumed the fourth day on 55 for 2, needing another 308 runs for victory. Their chase quickly fell apart as India A's bowlers exploited the changing conditions. Anshul Kamboj struck early, dismissing Nathan McSweeney after the batter gloved a short delivery to gully. Peter Handscomb followed two overs later, bowled by a low delivery that skidded through from a similar length. The pressure increased when Tushar Deshpande produced an outstanding spell of reverse swing. Deshpande Tears Through Top Order Deshpande made an immediate impact after being hit for a boundary. He responded with a full delivery that reversed late and beat Josh Philippe's defence, crashing into the off stump. He then produced another wicket with the next delivery, as Liam Scott was beaten by a length ball that cut sharply back into him and removed the off stump. Deshpande finished with 3 for 14 in the second innings and was one of India's most effective fast bowlers throughout the match. His ability to generate late movement from the abrasive surface repeatedly troubled Australia's batters. Sangha Offers Brief Resistance Jason Sangha provided some resistance but was given opportunities early in his innings. He survived a missed stumping on 11 and was also fortunate when India chose not to review an lbw decision that would have gone in their favour. With wickets falling around him, Sangha continued to attack but eventually fell to Tanush Kotian. He was bowled for 26 from 23 balls while attempting a slog sweep. Australia A then relied on Fergus O'Neill and Todd Murphy to delay the inevitable. O'Neill and Murphy Build Only Major Partnership O'Neill and Murphy put together 67 for the eighth wicket, Australia's only partnership of more than 50 runs across the entire match. Their resistance gave Australia A some breathing room, but the target remained well beyond reach. After lunch, Mulani completed the victory in just 6.1 overs. O'Neill was dismissed while attempting to slog to deep midwicket, before Murphy fell to a sharp catch at leg gully by B Sai Sudharsan. Brendan Doggett was the final wicket, caught brilliantly by Shaikh Rasheed at long-off while diving forward. Mulani finished with 3 for 57 in the second innings and 7 for 124 in the match, completing an important all-round bowling performance for India A. Kushagra and Padikkal Set Up India A Victory India A's strong position was built on substantial contributions with the bat. Dhruv Jurel? No. India A's first innings was led by wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra, who scored 113, while Tanush Kotian added 69. Australia A's Todd Murphy took 3 for 77 and Corey Rocchiccioli claimed 4 for 95. In the second innings, Devdutt Padikkal top-scored with 59, while Kushagra remained unbeaten on 46. India A's batting efforts allowed them to set Australia A a demanding target of 363. Australia A's first innings had ended at 171, with Jason Sangha making 46. Mulani took 4 for 67, while Kotian and Deshpande claimed two wickets apiece. Australia A Have Three Days to Respond The defeat leaves Australia A trailing 0-1 in the unofficial Test series. They now have three days to regroup before the second match, which will also be played in Puducherry. For India A, the victory highlighted the value of their varied bowling attack. Deshpande's reverse swing exposed Australia's top order, while Mulani's left-arm spin finished the job on a surface that became increasingly difficult to bat on. Australia A will need a stronger batting performance in the second unofficial Test if they are to level the series.