Raghvi Bist's fighting 93 gives India A upper hand vs Australia A in Women's Test

India A Women finished Day 1 of the four-day unofficial Test against Australia A in a strong position, thanks to a determined 93 from Raghvi Bist at Allan Border Field in Brisbane. Her innings lifted India A to 299 before the bowlers reduced Australia A to 158 for 5 at stumps.

Asked to bat first, India A lost quick wickets early. Nandini Kashyap and Dhara Gujjar fell for ducks, and Shafali Verma’s attacking 35 ended with the score at just 44. From there, Bist took charge. She played with patience and confidence, striking 16 boundaries in her 153-ball stay.

She shared useful stands with captain Radha Yadav (33) and later Minnu Mani (28), helping India rebuild. Bist fell seven short of a hundred, bowled by Maitlan Brown, but VJ Joshitha’s 51 and Titas Sadhu’s 23 pushed the total close to 300.

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For the hosts, Georgia Prestwidge impressed with 3 for 37, while Brown also picked up three wickets for 65. Ginger, Mills, Edgar and Hayward added one each as India A were bowled out in 89.1 overs.

Australia A’s reply began steadily with captain Tahlia Wilson leading the way. She made 49 off 80 balls, supported by Rachel Trenaman (21). But India A’s bowlers struck at regular intervals.

Radha Yadav’s left-arm spin removed Maddy Darke (12) and Anika Learoyd (15), while Saima Thakor dismissed Wilson and Ella Hayward in quick time. At 108 for 5, Australia A looked in trouble, but wicketkeeper Nicole Faltum’s unbeaten 30 and Sianna Ginger’s 24 not out helped them fight back.

By stumps, Australia A were 158 for 5, still trailing by 141 runs with five wickets in hand. India A will hope to break through the lower order quickly on the second morning.

Bist’s fine 93 set the tone for the visitors, and the bowlers backed it up with discipline, leaving India A well ahead after the opening day in Brisbane.

Brief Scores after Day 1

India A Women: 299 all out in 89.1 overs. Raghvi Bist (93), VJ Joshitha (51); Georgia Prestwidge (3/37); Maitlan Brown (3/65)

Australia A Women: 158/5 in 37.4 overs. Tahlia Wilson (49), Nicole Faltum (30); Saima Thakor (2/21), Radha Yadav (2/40)

Result: Australia A trail India A by 141 runs