Iyer, Arya Tons Power India A to Dominant Win Over Australia A in First Unofficial ODI

Centuries from captain Shreyas Iyer and young opener Priyansh Arya headlined a commanding performance by India A, who crushed Australia A by 171 runs in the first unofficial ODI in Kanpur on Wednesday.

After rain wiped out play on Tuesday, clear skies allowed the match to be held on the reserve day. Australia A, opting to field first, were punished by a ruthless Indian batting display as the hosts piled up a mammoth 413 for 6 in their 50 overs.

India A’s top-order came out firing, with Arya and Prabhsimran Singh — a successful opening pair from IPL 2025 with Punjab Kings — putting on a 135-run stand in 20.3 overs. Arya continued his rich form with a stroke-filled 101, while Iyer — playing his first List A match since leading India to the Champions Trophy title in March — marked his return with a fluent 110 off 86 balls, laced with 12 fours and four sixes.

The momentum continued through the innings, with Riyan Parag (67) and Ayush Badoni (50) chipping in with aggressive half-centuries. Badoni, along with allrounder Nishant Sindhu, helped push India A past the 400-run mark after Iyer’s dismissal in the 47th over.

Australia A's bowlers were under pressure throughout the innings, with none except Liam Scott managing to keep the run-rate under control. Will Sutherland was the most successful among them, finishing with 2 for 73.

In reply, Australia A made a brisk start and were 116 for 1 in the 13th over, but the dismissal of Cooper Connolly triggered a collapse. The visitors lost their last nine wickets for just 126 runs and were bowled out for 242 in 33.1 overs, leaving nearly 17 overs unused.

McKenzie Harvey top-scored with a fighting 68, while skipper Sutherland added a quick 50 off 33 balls, but the chase lacked stability once the top order fell. India A's spinners dominated the middle overs, with left-arm spinner Nishant Sindhu taking 4 for 50, and legspinner Ravi Bishnoi grabbing 2 for 49. Badoni chipped in with one wicket, showcasing his all-round capabilities.

Pacer Gurjapneet Singh, who was fast-tracked into the India A squad and playing his maiden List A match, impressed with 1 for 40 in five overs.

With a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, India A are set to welcome Asia Cup hero Tilak Varma for the remaining ODIs, further strengthening an already formidable squad.

The second unofficial ODI will take place later this week, with Australia A needing a win to stay alive in the series.