Calcutta: India A blew away a strong opening partnership by losing four quick wickets for an addition of only 16 runs as they ended the penultimate day of their second four-day game against Australia A at 158 for four.

The visitors still need 108 runs to avoid innings defeat.

After Australia A were all out for 435 in reply to India A's first-innings total of 169, openers Akhil Herwadkar and Faiz Fazal stitched 84 runs in 30 overs. But then India A lost their first four wickets in a cluster - three to left-arm spinner Jon Holland and one to a run out - to slump to 100 for four in their second essay.

Herwadkar was unbeaten on 82 while Sanju Samson was giving him company on 34 at the close of third day's play.

The Indian batting collapse began with Fazal being run out for 29 and three more wickets falling for the addition of just 16 runs.

Herwadkar, though, was dropped twice, first by Nic Maddinson at first slip and then on 53 when Jackson Bird put down a tough chance at leg slip.

The dropped catches apart, Australia A also missed a run out opportunity.

India A's opening partnership ended with a chaotic run out.