Radha Yadav, Yastika Bhatia Guide India A to Three-Wicket Win Over Australia A in Brisbane
Brisbane, Aug 13 (TheTrendingPeople) — Captain Radha Yadav led from the front with the ball, taking 3-45, before Yastika Bhatia and Shafali Verma stitched together a match-defining 77-run opening stand, as India A defeated Australia A by three wickets in the first 50-over game at the Ian Healy Oval on Wednesday.
The win marks India A’s first victory of the ongoing multi-format tour, giving the visitors a much-needed boost ahead of the second one-dayer.
Early Breakthroughs Set the Tone
Australia A, electing to bat first, were rocked early when Tahlia Wilson and skipper Alyssa Healy fell within the opening ten overs. The Indian bowlers, led by Radha Yadav, maintained relentless pressure.
By the 12th over, the hosts were in deeper trouble as star all-rounder Tahlia McGrath was dismissed, leaving Australia A struggling to build momentum.
Speaking after the match, Radha said:
“The plan was to keep things simple and hit the right lengths. We knew early breakthroughs would put them on the back foot, and that’s exactly what happened.”
Learoyd’s Lone Resistance
Australia A’s innings found some stability through Rachel Trenaman and Anika Learoyd, who added 63 runs for the fourth wicket. Trenaman scored a steady 51 before being run-out by Dhara Gujjar.
Learoyd then played a gritty knock, remaining unbeaten on 92 off 90 balls, including eight boundaries and a six. Despite her resistance, Australia A fell short of completing their 50 overs, being bowled out for 214 in 47.5 overs.
Key bowling figures for India A included Minnu Mani (2-28) and Titas Sadhu (2-37), both of whom supported Radha’s efforts to ensure the target remained chaseable.
Yastika and Shafali Provide a Flying Start
In reply, openers Yastika Bhatia and Shafali Verma came out with attacking intent. Shafali, eager to impress selectors ahead of the Women’s ODI World Cup, smashed 36 runs off 31 balls, while Yastika anchored the innings with a composed 59 off 70 balls, hitting seven boundaries.
Their 77-run partnership in just 10.4 overs set the platform for the chase.
Yastika reflected on her innings, saying:
“I haven’t had much game time with the main team recently, so I wanted to make the most of this opportunity. The idea was to bat with intent and keep the scoreboard ticking.”
Middle-Order Stumble Brings Tension
Despite the strong start, India A’s middle order faltered, losing quick wickets and allowing Australia A a sniff of victory. Spinners Lucy Hamilton (2-36) and Ella Hayward (2-46) caused problems, slowing the scoring rate and forcing errors.
It looked like a repeat of earlier tour collapses might be on the cards, but Raghvi Bist held her nerve.
Raghvi Bist’s Calm Finish
With the game delicately poised, Raghvi Bist played a composed knock of 25 not out, guiding India A home with eight overs to spare. Her ability to rotate strike and punish loose deliveries ensured the team crossed the finish line at 215/7 in 42 overs.
Coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar praised the team’s resilience:
“We’ve been talking about finishing games strongly, and today the players executed that perfectly. This win is not just about points; it’s about building confidence.”
Brief Scores
Australia A — 214 in 47.5 overs (Anika Learoyd 92*, Rachel Trenaman 51; Radha Yadav 3-45, Titas Sadhu 2-37)
India A — 215/7 in 42 overs (Yastika Bhatia 59, Shafali Verma 36; Lucy Hamilton 2-36, Ella Hayward 2-46)
Result: India A won by 3 wickets
Why This Win Matters
This result carries significance beyond the scoreboard. For players like Shafali Verma and Yastika Bhatia, it’s a platform to push for selection in India’s senior squad. For Radha Yadav, the victory under her captaincy reinforces her leadership credentials.
Historically, India A tours have been used to groom young talent for the senior team. Strong performances here often translate to World Cup call-ups and international debuts.
What’s Next
The second 50-over game between India A and Australia A will be held on Friday at the Ian Healy Oval. A win there would give India A the series lead heading into the final fixture.
Final Thoughts — TheTrendingPeople.com
India A’s victory in Brisbane was a reminder that composure under pressure can be as valuable as a blazing start. Radha Yadav’s early breakthroughs, Yastika Bhatia’s solidity, and Raghvi Bist’s finishing touch combined to turn potential collapse into a comfortable win.
With one eye on the Women’s ODI World Cup, performances like these will shape the future of India’s cricketing depth — proving that the next generation is ready to step up when it matters most.