Mon Dec 02 10:57:20 UTC 2024: ## India Beats Australia PM XI by 6 Wickets in Rain-Curtailed Practice Match
**Canberra, December 1, 2023** – India defeated the Australia Prime Minister’s XI by six wickets in a rain-affected practice match at Manuka Oval in Canberra. The second day of the 50-over-a-side match, originally scheduled for 100 overs, was reduced to 92 overs due to a washout on day one.
Sam Constanti topped the scoring charts for the PM XI with a century (107 runs off 97 balls), supported by Henno Jacobs (61 off 59). India’s bowling attack, led by Harshit Rana (4 wickets), restricted the PM XI to 240 runs in 43.2 overs.
In response, India chased down the target, reaching 256/5, with Shubman Gill contributing a solid 50 before retiring hurt. Other notable contributions came from Yashasvi Jaiswal (45), KL Rahul (27), Nitish Reddy (42), and Washington Sundar (43). Rohit Sharma had a disappointing innings, managing only 3 runs.
While the match provided valuable practice for the Indian team ahead of the second Test, the absence of key players like Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravichandran Ashwin from the playing XI was noteworthy.
The victory comes as a boost for India, who are already 1-0 up in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after winning the first Test in Perth. However, the upcoming second Test in Adelaide, starting December 6, presents a fresh challenge. Australia’s loss of Josh Hazlewood due to injury adds to their concerns. The Adelaide Test will be a day-night match, recalling India’s crushing defeat in their last day-night Test at the same venue.
First Piper 