Manish Pandey's ton in vain as India A lose to Australia A by whisker

Skipper Manish Pandey's blistering century was not enough to guide India A to victory as the visiting side suffered a heart-breaking one-run defeat in the Quadrangular series match against Australia A here Ray Mitchell Oval in Harrup Park on Tuesday.

Chasing a huge target of 323 runs, India A were restricted to 321 for eight in their stipulated 50 overs, which also saw the visitors lose two wickets off the last two balls.

Pandey smashed 10 boundaries and three sixes in his brilliant 110-run knock besides sharing a huge 157-run partnership with Sanju Samson (87) for the fifth wicket.

Mandeep Singh (56) was the other notable contribution for India A.

Earlier in the day, India A won the toss and asked Australia A to bat first.

NJ Maddinson, who was adjudged 'Man of the Match', struck a sparkling 118-run knock and shared a massive 230-run partnership for second wicket to propel their side to post a score of 322-6 within their allotted overs.

For the Indian side, Shardul Thakur scalped two wickets while Hardik Pandya, Varun Aaron and Jaydev Unadkat shared three wickets among themselves.

Australia A have now climbed to the top of the table and have set up a clash in the final with Pandey's side, who had qualified earlier.