Australia A batsmen once again showed their prowess in tackling the Indian spin attack on a difficult track as they comfortably beat the hosts by three wickets to enter the final of the tri-series cricket tournament, here on Monday. Australia A have so far won their all three matches and they will now play one among India A or South Africa A in the final slated on August 14.
Chasing a 259 for a win on a slow track that was offering some turn, Australia were reduced 178 for six at one stage before experienced Callum Ferguson (45 no) and young Adam Zampa (54 off 49 balls) added 80 runs for the seventh wicket in 13.3 overs to take their team to the final.
Karn Sharma gave a much improved account of himself on the day as he kept India in the game till the 35th over with impressive figures of 3-45.However it was the Ferguson-Zampa partnership that sealed the match, which seemed like slipping out of Australia A’s grip at one stage.
Zampa hit seven fours and a big six off Axar Patel over long-on. While the baby-faced leg-spinner attacked the bowling, the senior pro Ferguson decided to drop anchor as he rotated the strike well during his 63-ball-45.
Brief Scores India A: 258/9 (Mayank Agarwal 61, Manish Pandey 50; Ashton Agar 5/39) lose to Australia A: 262/7 (Chris lynn 63, Adam Zampa 54; Karn Sharma 3/45) by three wickets.