Gambhir

New Delhi: Opener Gautam Gambhir smashed an unbeaten 142 as India A thrashed Pakistan A by 130 runs in a limited-overs match in the Top End Series at Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin, Australia on Thursday.

According to information received here, Gambhir was ably supported at the other end by opening partner Robin Uthappa, who scored 72, and the duo laid a strong foundation by amassing 147 runs as the Indians made 313 for 3 in their stipulated 50 overs.

In reply, Pakistan were bundled out for a paltry 183 in 39.3 overs. Opener Rafatullah Mohammed top scored with 84. Piyush Chawla returned with the best figures of three for 34 from 10 overs.

Gambhir knock came off 136 balls with the help of 14 fours and two sixes.

Uthappa, who impressed selectors on his debut against England in Indore and earned a berth in the ODI squad that recently toured West Indies, faced 94 balls and hit five fours before being caught by Shahid Yousuf off Mansoor Amjad.

Nineteen-year-old Rohit Sharma also came out well with 47 runs off 50 balls while Shikhar Dhawan and captain Yalaka Venugopal Rao could contribute only 12 and 14 runs, respectively. Pacers R P Singh, Shib Shankar Paul and Rao picked two wickets each.

BRIEF SCORES

India A 313/3 (Gautam Gambhir 142 .., Robin Uthappa 72, Rohit Sharma 47). Pakistan A 183 (Rafatullah Mohammed 84, Piyush Chawla 3/34). India A won by 130 runs. (PTI)