Konstas, Philippe, and Johnson Seal Series Victory as Australia A Defeat India A by 69 Runs

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Australia A posted a competitive total anchored by a crucial 101-run second-wicket partnership between young opener Sam Konstas and middle-order batter Josh Philippe. Sam Konstas top-scored with a patient 67 off 88 balls (including 7 fours and a six), while Josh Philippe contributed an aggressive 58 off 58 deliveries (8 fours).

Despite slipping later in the innings against disciplined bowling from Arshad Khan (3/56) and Yash Thakur (2/46), a late cameo from fast bowler Spencer Johnson (14* off 7 balls) pushed the tourists to 275.

India A Chase (206 all out in 45.2 overs):

India A's chase crumbled early under sustained pressure from the Australian pace attack, slumping to 30 for 3 inside the ninth over as top-order struggles continued for Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, and Devdutt Padikkal. Rajat Patidar fought back a lone hand with a well-crafted 67 off 82 balls, but regular wickets derailed any chance of a recovery.

Spencer Johnson starred with the ball, tearing through the lineup to finish with stellar figures of 3 for 35 from 8 overs. Support came from Riley Meredith (2/31) and Tanveer Sangha (2/42) as India A were bowled out in the 46th over.

The pair combined for a 101-run stand for the second wicket off 116 balls after Yash Thakur had cut Mitch Owen's innings short on 25 off 13 balls. While Konstas was watchful in the powerplay, he manufactured scoring opportunities thereafter by stepping outside leg or stepping out of his crease with purpose. He moved to his second fifty-plus score in List A cricket and first on this India trip in six attempts. When he was looking good for even more, though, Arshad Khan bounced him out for 67 off 88 balls.

Philippe had also looked largely comfortable against spin and took a special liking to Sindhu's left-arm orthodox. He took him for 23 off 11 balls before Sindhu had him caught at midwicket. From 207 for 3, Australia folded for 275, but the bowlers regrouped to instigate an Indian collapse and secure the series.

Australia A 275 (Konstas 67, Philippe 58, Arshad 3-56, `Thakur 2-46) beat India A 206 (Patidar 67, Johnson 3-35, Meredith 2-31) by 69 runs