Gurkeerat Singh produced a superb all-round show as India A stunned the much fancied Australia A by four wickets in the final to win the ODI cricket tri-series here on Friday.
Set a target of 227 after a fine performance by their spinners, the Indian top-order made a mess of what seemed like an easy chase before Gurkeerat turned the tide in the hosts' favour with his unbeaten knock of 87.
Coming into the match without a single win over Australia, the Indians did quite well to contain the rival batsmen, who were in stupendous form through the league stage.
However, the effort with the ball was not complemented by the top four of India's batting, who accounted for 65 runs.
However, at five down for 108 runs, the lower-half came to India's rescue and Gurkeerat was the star performer. After returning figures of 2-41 with his off-spin bowling, Gurkeerat produced some magic with the bat as well to rescue the hosts from a precarious position.
His unbeaten knock came off 85 deliveries and included seven hits to the fence besides a couple of sixes, including the one which sealed the match for the side.
Brief Scores
Aus A: 226/9 (Khawaja 76; Karn 3/37) lose to India A: 229/6 in 43.3 overs (Gurkeerat 87*; Agar 2/39) by 4 wickets.