Abhishek Sharma Skips Sister’s Wedding, Tilak Varma Stars as India A Lose to Australia A

File Pic: Abhishek Sharma, right, and Tilak Varma during the Asia Cup. (AP Photo)

New Delhi: In a rain-affected List A clash, India A suffered a nine-wicket defeat against Australia A on Friday, despite a brilliant 94 from Tilak Varma and the personal sacrifice of Abhishek Sharma, who skipped his sister’s wedding to represent the team.

India A posted a modest total of 246. However, due to a three-hour rain delay, the Duckworth-Lewis method revised Australia A’s target to 160 in 25 overs. The visitors were already 48 without loss before play resumed, and McKenzie Harvey (70* off 49 balls) and Cooper Connolly (50 off 31) completed the chase in 16.4 overs, punishing India’s bowling with 22 fours and six sixes. Arshdeep Singh was expensive, conceding 44 runs in his four overs.

Abhishek Sharma, drafted as a potential long-term opening option, was dismissed cheaply by Jack Edwards on the first ball he faced. In contrast, Tilak Varma showcased his class, anchoring the innings with 94 off 122 balls, including five fours and four sixes. He stitched together a 101-run fourth-wicket partnership with Riyan Parag (58 off 54) and added valuable lower-order contributions of 34 and 28 with Ravi Bishnoi and Arshdeep Singh, narrowly missing out on a well-earned century.

Shreyas Iyer failed to fire, managing only eight runs as India A slumped to 17/3 early in the innings. Jack Edwards was the standout bowler for Australia, finishing with four wickets.

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The defeat leveled the three-match series at 1-1, setting up a high-stakes decider on Sunday. Tilak Varma’s fluent knock reinforced his case for India’s 50-over setup, while Abhishek Sharma’s commitment off the field highlighted the personal sacrifices young cricketers make for national duty.