Puducherry, Sept 26:
India A defeated Australia A by 162 runs in the first four-day fixture at the CAP-Siechem Stadium on Friday, with left-arm spinner Shams Mulani playing a key role in the victory.
Chasing a target of 363, Australia A resumed their second innings at 55 for two but were bowled out for 200. Mulani claimed three wickets in the second innings to finish with a match haul of seven for 124.
Medium pacer Anshul Kamboj struck twice in the opening session, removing Nathan McSweeney and Australia A captain Peter Handscomb. Tushar Deshpande then dismissed Josh Philippe and Liam Scott off successive deliveries before Tanush Kotian bowled Jason Sangha.
Fergus O’Neill top-scored for Australia A with 47, but the visitors could not withstand India’s bowling attack. Kumar Kushagra was named Player of the Match. The second four-day match will be played in Puducherry from September 29 to October 2, followed by three one-day matches.