India A’s Devdutt Padikkal produced a brilliant moment in the field during the opening ODI of the three-match series against Australia A in Puducherry on Tuesday, October 6. The left-hander took an excellent diving catch at first slip to dismiss former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Josh Philippe.
The dismissal came from the second ball of the fifth over of Australia A’s innings. Arshad Khan bowled a fuller delivery that moved away from the right-handed Philippe outside the off stump. Looking to drive through the off side, Philippe only managed to edge the ball.
Padikkal reacted quickly at first slip, diving sharply to his right to complete an impressive low catch. The wicket ended Philippe’s stay after he scored just two runs from six deliveries and gave Arshad Khan his first wicket of the match.
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Philippe’s dismissal left Australia A struggling at 30/3 after 4.2 overs, putting India A firmly on top during the early stages of the contest.
Australia A captain Will Sutherland had won the toss and decided to bat first. However, India A’s bowlers quickly put pressure on the visitors after their openers made a positive start.
A picture-perfect take from Devdutt Padikkal! 📸
Arshad Khan gets Josh Philippe as Team India tighten their grip! 🔥
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Mitchell Owen and Sam Konstas added 23 runs from just 12 balls before Yash Thakur provided India A with the breakthrough. Owen was dismissed for 10 off seven deliveries, including one four and a six.
Thakur struck again in the fourth over, removing Konstas for 14 off 12 balls. The Australian opener hit three boundaries during his short stay at the crease.
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After Philippe’s dismissal, Nathan McSweeney and Liam Scott attempted to rebuild the innings. The pair added 47 runs from 55 deliveries for the fourth wicket before Nishant Sindhu ended the partnership in the 14th over. Sindhu dismissed Scott for 15 off 23 balls, with the batter managing just one boundary. Australia A were 238/7 after 42 overs at the time of writing, with McSweeney unbeaten on 102 off 120 balls alongside Riley Meredith , who was batting on a duck.
