A spirited innings from Raghvi Bist has given India A Women the upper hand in a fascinating contest against Australia A Women at the Allan Border Field, Brisbane. At stumps on Day 3, India A reached 260 for 8 in their second innings, stretching their overall lead to 254 runs in the only unofficial Test of the series.

Resuming with a slender first-innings deficit of six after being bowled out for 299 in reply to Australia A’s 305, India A’s batters showed resilience on a surface that continued to challenge shot-making.

Shafali Verma gave the visitors early momentum, striking a breezy 52 off 58 balls with two fours and as many sixes before falling to Amy Edgar. Dhara Gujjar (20) and Tejal Hasabnis (39) provided useful contributions, but the highlight of the day was once again Raghvi Bist.

Continuing her dream match after a brilliant 93 in the first innings, the right-hander compiled a commanding 86 off 119 balls, decorated with 13 boundaries. Displaying composure and fluent stroke-play, she anchored the middle order and stitched vital stands with Hasabnis and Tanusree Sarkar (25).

Her dismissal at 249, caught by Lilly Mills off Edgar, briefly tilted the balance, but India A retained control thanks to patient resistance from VJ Joshitha (9*) and Titas Sadhu (2*), who ensured no further damage before stumps.

Earlier in the day, Australia A had secured a slender lead, largely thanks to Sianna Ginger’s superb 103 — a counterattacking innings that frustrated the Indian bowlers. Supported by Nicole Faltum’s 54, Ginger carried the hosts close to 300 before falling as the last wicket.

Saima Thakor was the pick of India A’s bowlers with 3 for 31, while Radha Yadav and Minnu Mani chipped in with two apiece.

With one day remaining, the contest is finely poised. India A hold a strong lead, but Australia A will believe they can chase down a target around the 300 mark if their batters click. Much will depend on how quickly the hosts can dislodge the lower order on the final morning.

Brief Scores after Day 3

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: 305 all out in 76.2 overs. Sianna Ginger (103), Nicole Faltum (54); Saima Thakor (3/21), Radha Yadav (2/68)

India A Women: 260/8 in 73 overs. Raghvi Bist (86), Shafali Verma (52); Amy Edgar (4/53), Georgia Prestwidge (2/42)

Result: India A lead Australia A by 254 runs

– Ends