Sunday was challenging day for Indian cricket, with setbacks across all levels and formats, leaving fans and young players reflecting on the road ahead. From the senior men’s team to the U19 and women’s teams, these losses highlighted the need for resilience and improvement in the game.
Men’s Team Suffer Crushing Defeat to Australia in Second Test
Australia dominated India in the second Test in Adelaide, securing a commanding 10-wicket victory to level the five-match series 1-1. The match ended in just three days, with Australia chasing a modest target of 19 runs without losing a wicket.
India, after opting to bat first, posted just 180 runs in their first innings, with Nitin Kumar Reddy top-scoring with 42 runs. Australian captain Pat Cummins led his team’s attack, taking five wickets. Australia responded with a commanding 337 in their first innings, leading by 157 runs. India struggled in their second innings, scoring only 175 runs, leaving Australia with an easy target of 19, which was comfortably chased down by Nathan McSweeney and Usman Khawaja.
India U19 Team Falls Short in Asia Cup Final
In Dubai, Bangladesh defeated India by 59 runs to claim the Under-19 Asia Cup title. Batting first, Bangladesh posted 198 runs in 49.1 overs, with Razzan Hossain contributing 47 runs. India’s bowlers, led by Chetan Sharma and Hardik Raj, took two wickets each to restrict Bangladesh. However, India’s batting collapsed as they were bowled out for 139 runs in 35.2 overs. Captain Mohamed Amaan top-scored with 26, but the chase faltered, with Bangladesh’s Iqbal Hussain and Azizul Hakim each claiming three wickets.
Women’s Team Overpowered by Australia
In Brisbane, the Australian women’s team handed India a heavy 122-run defeat in the second ODI. Australia posted an imposing total of 371 for 8 in 50 overs. India’s response faltered as they were bowled out for 249 runs in 44.5 overs.