India 'A' score 180 for four against Australia 'A', KAIF shines

Bangalore, Sep 3 (UNI) A brilliant 90-run unbroken partnership between India discard Mohammed Kaif (68 not out) and Virat Kohli (48 not out) helped India 'A' to score 180 for four on the opening day of the three-day match against visiting Australia 'A' at the Chinnaswamy Stadium here today.

The start of the match was delayed by more than three hours due to overnight rain. Due to delay in the start, the match was stretched to complete 60 overs.

After India 'A' captain S Badrinath elected to bat first, the team lost four wickets at quick intervals for just 90 runs.

But Kohli, who joined Kaif added 90 valuable runs and was still going strong.

Kaif, in his 68, hit eight boundaries and a six.

He was supported by India Under-19 World Cup captain Virat Kohli who hit four boundaries and a huge six.

For the visitors, leg spinner Bryce Edward McGain, who took three wickets conceding 51 runs was the most successful bowler. Pace bowler Douglas Erwin Bolinger took one wicket.

Opener Ajinkya Rahane (6) was the first to go when Douglas took a brilliant return catch when India's score reading only 20. The hosts sufferred another blow when they lost wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel (13) and Robin Uthappa (22).

However, skipper S Badrinath who scored ten runs facing 53 balls in 83 minutes added a valuable 42 runs with Mohammed Kaif for the fourth wicket before being clean bowled by McGain.

Brief Scores: India 'A' 180 for four (Mohammed Kaif 68 not out, Virat Kohli 48 not out, Robin Uthappa 22, S Badrinath 10, Parthiv Patel 13, Douglas Erwin Bollinger: 1/13, Bryce Edward McGani: 3/17).

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