India vs Prime Minister's XI: Warm-up Match Day 2 | Indian bowlers led a disciplined effort, highlighted by Harshit Rana’s fiery spell

The highly anticipated warm-up match between India and the Prime Minister’s XI at Manuka Oval, Canberra, delivered a thrilling Day 2 as the hosts were bowled out for 240 runs in their first innings. Indian bowlers led a disciplined effort, highlighted by Harshit Rana’s fiery spell and key contributions from Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja. Sam Konstas stood out for the PM XI, crafting a stellar century before falling to Akash Deep.

Another ton for Sam Konstas! ????

A sublime knock by the teenager against India #PMXIvIND pic.twitter.com/hZOnuRYbB8

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 1, 2024

Prime Minister’s XI vs India, Warm-up Match
Manuka Oval, Canberra - 30 November to 1 December 2024

Prime Minister’s XI: 240 all out (43.2 overs; S Konstas 107, J Clayton 40; H Rana 4-44, A Deep 2-58)

Sam Konstas Anchors PM XI with a Dazzling Century

Opting to bat after losing the toss, the PM XI relied heavily on opener Sam Konstas, who put up a valiant fight against a potent Indian bowling attack. Konstas smashed 107 runs off 97 deliveries, including 14 boundaries and a six. His fluent innings kept the PM XI afloat despite a lack of substantial partnerships at the other end.

Jack Clayton offered brief resistance with a steady 40 off 52 balls, striking six boundaries. However, the rest of the batting line-up crumbled under pressure, with five players falling for single-digit scores, including a duck for Sam Harper.

Indian Bowlers Shine

India’s bowlers showcased their versatility, dismantling the PM XI’s batting order with a mix of pace and spin. Harshit Rana emerged as the standout performer, claiming 4/44 in six overs, including the crucial wickets of Jack Clayton and Oliver Davies.

Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja spun their web in the middle overs, accounting for key scalps. Sundar dismissed the dangerous Hanno Jacobs (61 off 60) to wrap up the innings, finishing with figures of 6.2-38-1. Jadeja, with his crafty spin, returned 1/32 in five overs, including the dismissal of Jack Nisbet.

Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna also made notable contributions with the ball. Akash scalped 2/58, while Prasidh claimed 2/37, including the crucial dismissal of Aidan O’Connor.

Indian Strategy Ahead

With a modest target of 240 to chase, India will look to their star-studded batting line-up, featuring Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant, to gain valuable practice ahead of the main tour. PM XI’s bowling attack, led by Scott Boland and Lloyd Pope, will aim to make early inroads to keep the game competitive.

This warm-up game serves as an ideal testing ground for India’s preparations for the Australia series, with bowlers gaining crucial match practice and the batting unit ready to showcase their dominance.

Stay tuned for updates on India’s batting response as Day 2 progresses.