KL Rahul's 74 In Vain as Western Australia Stun India In Second Practice Match, Win By 32 Runs

KL Rahul's knock went in vain as Western Australia stunned India with a 32-run victory in the second practice match in Perth on Thursday. Western Australia posted 168/8 in their 20 overs owing to gritty half-centuries by Nick Hobson and D'Arcy Short. Ashwin's three-wicket haul helped India restrict Western Australia's flow of runs after the team had a blistering start to their innings. India started the chase watchfully, with KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant trying to see off the initial swing and seam of the new ball. Pacers Jason Behrendorff and Matthew Kelly stuck to their line and lengths.

Both the bowlers bowled with great control and kept asking questions with the ball forcing the batters to play cautiously. Pant tried to break the shackles but perished in the attempt to do so. Behrendorff dismissed him in the fifth over for 9 which came off 11 balls.

Deepak Hooda was promoted up their order given his rich form in the limited opportunities he has got for the Indian team, which also includes a T20I century against Ireland. However, the batter failed to make a mark and was sent back to the dressing room by Lance Morris for a paltry 6(9).

The Indian team was unable to exploit the fielding restrictions and ended the power play with 29/1.

Hardik Pandya walked in to bat at number four and immediately made an impact as the all-rounder smashed two massive sixes within a quick space. The batter, however, was not able to carry his innings forward and was sent packing by Hamish Mckenzie for 17(9).

All-rounder Axar Patel was sent ahead in the pursuit of some quick runs but the left-hander played a scratchy inning of 2(7) before bowing out to Morris in the 13th over leaving the team at 79/4 in the 13th over.

India's recently