Darwin, Australia: Young opener Manan Vohra and limited overs specialist Mohit Sharma came up with fine performances as India A posted a comfortable six-wicket win over Australia's National Performance Squad in the Quadrangular 'A' Series to brighten their chances of a berth in the finals.
Opting to bat, NPS were restricted to 217 for nine, largely due to a fine bowling effort from medium pacer Mohit, who grabbed four for 48, while left-arm spinner Akshar Patel took two for 51 in their stipulated 10 overs.
India A knocked off the runs in only 38 overs as Punjab opener Manan smashed his way to a 95-ball 88 studded with 12 boundaries. He was well supported during a 108-run fourth wicket partnership with 'A' team veteran Ambati Rayudu (70 not out) after they were in a spot of bother at 88 for three.
Rayudu's innings came off 80 balls and had 11 boundaries, as he finished the match in company of Sanju Samson.
India now have 10 points from three matches with two wins to their credit.
Manan, who got his first game of the series in place of an out-of-sorts Unmukt Chand, was severe on the left-arm fast bowlers Jason Behrendorff and Sam Rainbird.
The right-hander cut loose taking full advantage of the powerplay overs, although skipper Robin Uthappa (19), Manish Pandey (12) and Manish Pandey (11) were out cheaply.
Manan, however, got an able partner in Rayudu and the duo scored runs at a quick pace to ensure a smooth victory for India.
Brief Scores:
National Performance Squad: 217 for nine in 50 overs (Travis Head 56, Mohit Sharma 4/48, Akshar Patel 2/51).
India A: 218 for 4 in 38 overs (Manan Vohra 88, Ambati Rayudu 70 not out).
India A won by 6 wickets.
Points: India A - 5; NPS - 0.
