Indian batsmen failed to hold their nerves during slog overs as they lost to Australia A by seven runs in an exciting opening encounter of the tri-Series tournament between ‘A’ teams in Pretoria, South Africa.
Nathan Coulter-Nile (3 for 37) bowled brilliantly at the death as he got two wickets in the 49th over which was also a maiden. India were well within sniffing distance of winning the match as they required 16 from last two overs with in-form Rayudu at the crease.
Earlier, all-rounder Glenn Maxwell’s magnificent unbeaten 145 off 99 balls helped Australia score a stiff 298 for 8 as Cheteshwar Pujara decided to field after winning the toss.
In reply, India were restricted to 291 for 8 despite half-centuries from opener Rohit Sharma (66), Suresh Raina (83) and Ambati Rayudu (70). Australia got four points from the match and took their tally to eight points from two matches.
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