Mackay: India A rode on a solid all-round performance to clinch the quadrangular one-day series, thrashing Australia A by 57 runs in the final clash here, on Sunday.
Electing to bat after winning the toss, India A put up 266/4 in their 50 overs before bowling out the hosts for 209 in 44.5 overs.
Mandeep Singh was the star of India's batting performance with a 108-ball 95, which was laced with 11 hits to the fence.
Mandeep, who was named Player of the Match, combined with captain Manish Pandey (61) to steer India to what turned out to be a winning total.
Shreyas Iyer was also vital with his 41 runs. Australia had four wicket-takers with one scalp each.
In reply, Cameron Bancroft (34) and Nic Maddinson started well, but it was Yuzvendra Chahal (4-34) who was the ultimate winner from the innings, taking key scalps and bringing the game India A's way.
Australia A skipper Pete Handscomb (43) combined with Alex Ross (34) to edge closer to the total, but the back end of the game went completely in the tourists’ favour as they claimed the last five wickets for just 26 runs.
India A have now claimed the last three 'A' series, defeating Australia A on each occasion in the final. The other two teams in the series were South Africa A and the Australian National Performance Squad.
BCCI congratulates India A:
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) congratulated India A on winning the quadrangular series title by defeating Australia A by 57 runs in Mackay.
BCCI president Anurag Thakur said, "I would like to congratulate India A on their series win in Australia. Kudos to India A coach Mr. Rahul Dravid for his effort in building a young team and further strengthening the bench strength of Team India."
BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke said, "My heartiest congratulations to Mr. Rahul Dravid and the boys for registering series win in Australia. The young team has shown great consistency by winning the title for the third consecutive year."
Brief scores:
India A: 266/4 in 50 overs (Mandeep Singh 95, Manish Pandey 61, Chris Tremain 1/42).
Australia A: 209 in 44.5 overs (Peter Handscomb 43, Yuzvendra Chahal 4/34).
