Tahlia stars as Australia drubs India

Tahlia McGrath’s gritty 58 helped Australia ‘A’ defeat India ‘A’ by 91 runs in the first match of the three-match ODI series.

A file photo of India A's Shika Pandey. She scored 42 but couldn't prevent India A losing to Australia A by 91 runs.

Tahlia McGrath’s gritty 58 helped Australia ‘A’ defeat India ‘A’ by 91 runs in the first match of the three-match ODI series, at the Bandra-Kurla Complex in Mumbai on Monday.

Winning the toss and opting to bat, Australia ‘A’ lost opener, Chloe Piparo early, but with McGrath and Heather Graham (48) steadying the ship, the Australian side bounced back.

Riding on this partnership, it amassed 271-8.

After McGrath’s exit, Naomi Stalenberg played a knock of 47, while Molly Strano remained unbeaten on 37 to ensure that there was no slip-up.

For India A, Preeti Bose scalped three wickets for 42 runs, while Reemalaxmi Ekka grabbed two, giving away 42 runs.

Chasing 272 in 50 overs, the host side was off to a horrid start. Australia picked up three wickets in the first 11 balls as India ‘A’ was wobbling at 4/3.

With the middle-order collapsing like a house of cards, the side was, at one point, reeling at 55/6. Preeti Bose (62*) and Shikha Pandey (42) stitched a partnership to help India fight back.

But the effort was not enough as India’s cookie crumbled soon after Shikha was caught by Wellington off Strano.

Eventually India A was bundled out for 180 in 46.2 overs.

For Australia A, Strano was pick of the bowlers grabbing three wickets for 23 runs.

Brief scores: Australia ‘A’ 271/8 in 50 overs (Tahlia McGrath 58, Heather Graham 48; Preeti Bose 3-42)  b t India ‘A’ 180 in 46.2 overs (Preeti Bose 62*, Shikha Pandey 42; Molly Strano 3/23).