Harshit Rana was in prime form with the pink ball, as India took on Australia Prime Minister’s (PM) XI in a 50 overs per side game. This match was scheduled on day two of what was a two-day day-night pink ball practice game between the two sides.
India and PM’s XI were originally scheduled to play a 2-day practice game under lights with the pink ball at the Manuka Oval in Canberra on November 30 and December 1. This was due to the Indian team playing a day-night Test match against Australia in Adelaide from December 6 onwards.
However, the first day’s play was entirely washed out due to rain and on day 2, the two teams decided to play a limited-overs game for India to get some practice.
India captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and chose to bowl first. Sam Konstas starred with the bat for PM XI, scoring 107 in 97 balls with 14 fours and 1 six. He got support from Jack Clayton, who made 40 runs and added 109 runs with Konstas for the 4th wicket.
The PM’s XI kept picking wickets at regular intervals thanks to brilliant bowling by Harshit Rana. In the end, they were bowled out for 240 runs in 43.2 overs. Hanno Jacobs provided some relief down the order with 61 runs including 4 fours and 2 sixes to his name.
Harshit Rana starred with the ball, taking 4/44, while Akash Deep took two wickets.
Rana, in particular, was impressive with the pink ball, as he generated movement off the pitch andswungg in the air as well. He took the wickets of Jack Clayton, Oliver Davis, captain Jack Edwards, and Sam Harper.
Here is the video:
Rana’s performance bodes well for the Indian team ahead of the second Test In Adelaide, which also will be played with the pink ball under lights.
