Yastika Bhatia continued her push for an India comeback with a stunning 112 against Australia A in the second unofficial ODI in Mohali on Wednesday. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter struck 16 fours and two sixes in her 84-ball knock, but her brilliant century could not prevent India A from suffering a two-wicket defeat.
Yastika came in at 118 for two after India had made a steady start and took control of the innings with an aggressive yet composed knock. She reached her century in style and helped India A cross 300 before getting out. Tejal Hasabnis added 60, while Anushka Sharma remained unbeaten on 60 as India A posted 338 for six.
YASTIKA KEEPS MAKING HER CASE
The innings was another timely reminder of Yastika’s ability after she was left out of India’s limited-overs squads for the Women’s Asia Cup and the Asian Games following the team’s early exit from the T20 World Cup. India had made just one change to the Asian Games squad from the World Cup group, with Yastika making way for G Kamalini. She was also omitted from the Asia Cup squad despite her strong red-ball showing at Lord’s.
Yastika had earlier made history in July by becoming the first woman batter to put her name on the Lord’s Test batting honours board. She scored 113 against England in the one-off Test, producing a landmark innings that underlined her credentials across formats.
She also impressed during her brief stint with Trinbago Knight Riders in the Women’s Caribbean Premier League. Yastika scored 35 off 28 balls on debut and followed it with an unbeaten 57 off 34 against Jamaica Empress. She was among the tournament’s leading run-scorers before returning to India A duty.
AUSTRALIA A PULL OFF THRILLING CHASE
India A’s 338 looked imposing, but Australia A produced a remarkable chase. Captain Tahlia Wilson led the response with 79 off 77 balls, while Anika Learoyd’s 54 off 29 and Charli Knott’s explosive 63 off 37 shifted the momentum decisively.
India’s bowlers fought back through Minnu Mani, who claimed three wickets, while Sayali Satghare and Niki Prasad took two each. However, Australia’s lower order held its nerve. Hayley Silver-Holmes made 47, before Milly Illingworth’s unbeaten 22 off 14 balls and Darcie Brown’s unbeaten two sealed victory with three balls to spare.
Australia A reached 341 for eight in 49.3 overs to win by two wickets. For India A, the result was disappointing, but Yastika’s 112 was another strong individual statement as she continues to press for a return to India’s limited-overs setup.
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