Match: India A vs Australia A, 1st Unofficial Test
Series: Australia A tour of India 2026
Venue: Cricket Association Puducherry Siechem Ground, Puducherry
Date & Time: September 22-25, 2026, 9:30 AM LOCAL (9:30 AM IST)
Toss: India A won the toss and elected to bat.
Day 2 Stumps: India A 334 all out (Kushagra 113, Kotian 69; Rocchiccioli 4-95, Murphy 3-77) vs. Australia A 171 all-out (Sangha 46; Mulani 4-67)—India is ahead by 163 runs.
The Big Picture: A First-Innings Masterclass
The opening day belonged to India A’s lower order. Kumar Kushagra’s maiden first-class century (113 off 240 balls) and Tanush Kotian’s gritty 69 rescued the hosts from a precarious 97/5. The pair’s 138-run stand for the sixth wicket turned the innings around.
Australia A’s spinners kept the visitors in the contest. Corey Rocchiccioli was the pick of the bowlers with 4/95, while Todd Murphy claimed 3/77.
But the second day was all about Shams Mulani. The left-arm spinner tore through Australia A’s batting lineup, finishing with 4/67 as the visitors were bundled out for 171, conceding a massive 163-run first-innings lead.
Puducherry Pitch Report: A Spinner’s Paradise Confirmed
The numbers before the match painted a clear picture: spinners had taken 52 wickets at 23.32 in the last three first-class games at this venue, while pacers managed just 16 at over 36. The first two days confirmed that trend.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Spinners | 52 wickets at 23.32 in the last 3 FC games |
| Pacers | 16 wickets at an average of over 36 |
| Toss Record | Teams batting first have a 100% win record at this venue. |
The surface offered turn and variable bounce throughout. Mulani and Kotian extracted sharp spin, while Rocchiccioli and Murphy found significant grip for Australia A. Batting was never comfortable, and the first-innings lead of 163 runs could prove decisive.
Squad Breakdown: Key Players to Watch
India
Australia
Head-to-Head Record
Recent Context: In the 2024-25 series in Australia, the two sides played out a 1-1 draw. India A won the first match, while Australia A bounced back to win the second.
Key Player Battles
Shams Mulani vs. Australia A’s Middle Order
Mulani’s 4/67 was the defining performance of Day 2. His left-arm orthodox spin proved too much for Australia’s A’s batters, who struggled to pick up his variations.
Kumar Kushagra vs Todd Murphy
Kushagra’s 113 was a masterclass in patience and application. Murphy, Australia’s best spinner, tested him throughout but could not dislodge him until the tail was exposed.
Sam Konstas vs Anshul Kamboj
The young Australian opener’s audition for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener’s slot got off to a poor start. Kamboj trapped him LBW for 20, exposing Konstas’s struggles against quality seam bowling in Indian conditions.
Dream11 Prediction: Full Team & Analysis
Must-Have Picks
| Player | Role | Why Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Kumar Kushagra | WK/BAT | 113 in the first innings. In excellent form |
| Shams Mulani | ALL | 4/67. The most impactful bowler on the field |
| Tanush Kotian | ALL | 69 runs and 1 wicket. Dual contribution |
| Corey Rocchiccioli | BOWL | 4/95. Australia’s best bowler |
| Todd Murphy | BOWL | 3/77. Will be crucial in the second innings |
Captain & Vice-Captain Choices
Captain: Shams Mulani—The safest bet. He is bowling beautifully and will be a threat in the second innings.
Vice-Captain: Kumar Kushagra—In excellent form and likely to bat again in the second innings.
Dream11 Team Suggestion
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Wicketkeeper | Kumar Kushagra |
| Batters | Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Jason Sangha |
| All-rounders | Shams Mulani (C), Tanush Kotian (VC), Liam Scott |
| Bowlers | Todd Murphy, Corey Rocchiccioli, Anshul Kamboj |
Credits: 100/100
Match Prediction: Who Will Win?
The Case for India
- Massive First-Innings Lead: 163 runs is a huge advantage on a deteriorating pitch.
- Spin Dominance: Mulani and Kotian are extracting significant turn.
- Momentum: India has controlled the match since Kushagra’s century.
- Toss Advantage: India A won the toss and batted first on a pitch that will only get harder.
The Case for Australia A
- Quality Spinners: Murphy and Rocchiccioli can bowl India A out cheaply in the second inning.
- Batting Depth: Handscomb, McSweeney, and Philippe are capable of big scores.
- Nothing to Lose: Australia are behind but have the quality to fight back.
My Verdict: India A to Win
Reasoning:
1. First-Innings Lead: 163 runs is a massive advantage. India A will bat again and set a target that Australia A will struggle to chase on a fourth-innings pitch.
2. Spin Dominance: Mulani and Kotian have already shown how difficult batting is on this surface. Australia’s batters will face an uphill task in the second innings.
3. Momentum: India I have controlled the match from the moment Kushagra and Kotian rescued the first innings. That psychological edge matters.
Prediction: India A to win by 150-200 runs or 5-6 wickets.
Betting Tips and Strategies
1. Match Winner – India A to Win
India has the first-innings lead and the better spin attack. Back them to win. This is the best cricket betting tip for this match.
2. Top Batsman (India A) – Kumar Kushagra
The wicketkeeper-batter scored 113 in the first innings. Back him to top-score again in the second innings. This is a Best Cricket Betting ID recommendation.
3. Top Bowler – Shams Mulani (India A)
The left-arm spinner is in devastating form. Back him to take 3+ wickets in the second innings. This is a Trusted Cricket Betting ID recommendation.
4. Total Runs in Second Innings – Under
The pitch is offering a significant turn. Batting will not be easy. Bet on under the prescribed runs.
5. Live Betting
Monitor the odds as the match unfolds. If Australia lose early wickets in the second innings, India’s odds will shorten.
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Go to the cricket betting page. Search for “India A vs Australia A – 1st Unofficial Test.”
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FAQs
1. Who will win the India A vs. Australia A 1st Unofficial Test?
My today’s match prediction favors India. A. Get your 99exch Betting ID and place your bet.
2. What is the Puducherry pitch report?
It is a spin-friendly surface. Spinners have dominated, taking 52 wickets at 23.32 in the last three FC games here.
3. Who scored a century for India A? Kumar Kushagra scored 113 off 240 balls.
4. Who captains Australia A? Peter Handscomb.
5. Can I bet live on this match? Yes. Use the 99exch live betting feature.
6. How do I withdraw from 99exch? Go to Account → Withdraw → Choose UPI or Bank Transfer → Enter amount.
7. Is 99exch safe? Yes. Read the 99exch disclaimer for full details.
8. Where can I watch the match? JioHotstar (Streaming).
9. What is the head-to-head record? Australia lead 8-6 in 20+ matches.
10. What is the weather forecast? Cloudy with a chance of rain.
Final Thoughts
Day 2 of the first unofficial test in Puducherry has given India A a commanding position. Kumar Kushagra’s maiden first-class century and Shams Mulani’s four-wicket haul have put the hosts firmly in control.
Australia’s batters struggled against quality spin, and with the pitch offering more turn each day, the visitors face an uphill task. India A will look to bat Australia. A out of the match in the second innings.
My advice? Check the final lineups. Monitor the toss. Trust your gut.
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Best of luck!
Disclaimer: This blog reflects my personal analysis. Betting involves financial risk. Please bet responsibly.