India vs Australia PM XI Warm-up Match: Harshit Rana’s Four-Wicket Burst in Six Balls Dents PM XI

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India vs Australia PM XI Warm-up Match: Harshit Rana showcased a sensational spell of fast bowling in the warm-up match against the Prime Minister's XI in Canberra on Sunday, December 1.

The young Indian pacer’s fiery four-wicket burst in just six deliveries dismantled the hosts’ middle order, turning the tide of the match at the Manuka Oval.

How did Harshit Rana Fare in India vs Australia PM XI Warm-up Match?

Bowling with a moving pink ball, Harshit initially struggled to find his rhythm, conceding runs in his first spell. However, his second spell in the 23rd over delivered immediate dividends.

With the PM XI cruising at 131/2, Harshit bowled Jack Clayton, who was on 40, with a peach of a delivery. Two balls later, Oliver Davies fell for a duck as Harshit sent his stumps flying, reducing the hosts to 131/4.

Returning for the 25th over, Harshit struck with the very first delivery, dismissing Jack Edwards for one with a sharp short ball that was miscued to Prasidh Krishna at long leg. The next ball saw a near-identical dismissal, with Sam Harper attempting a pull shot but falling for a duck as Krishna took another catch at long leg. Harshit’s devastating spell left the PM XI reeling at 133/6.

The collapse continued when Prasidh Krishna removed Aidan O’Connor in the following over, leaving the PM XI at 138/7. Despite Sam Konstas’s fighting century earlier in the innings, the Indian bowlers, led by Harshit, ensured the opposition could not capitalise on their promising start.

Earlier, persistent rain forced the match to be reduced to a 46-over-a-side contest after the first day was completely washed out. Rohit Sharma-led India won the toss and chose to bowl. While India’s preparation for the pink-ball Test against Australia remains crucial, Harshit’s performance has added a new dimension to the team’s bowling options.

The match serves as a vital precursor to the Day-Night Test in Adelaide, which starts on December 6. India, having suffered a dismal 36 all out in their last pink-ball Test in Australia, will look to bury those memories with a strong performance in the series opener.