THE YOUNG star of Sam Konstas continues to rise after the opener earned Player of the Match honours in the Prime Minister’s XI scratch match against India. Despite playing on the losing side, his 107 off 97 deliveries was a standout performance in the rain effected hitout at Manuka Oval.

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Originally slated as a two-day game pink ball game ahead of the day-night Test in Adelaide (December 6-12), the teams had to settle for 46-over contest on Sunday alone. Rain had washed out play the previous day and forced a delayed start before India sent the Aussies in to bat.

Cue Konstas’ sparkling innings, which included 14 boundaries and a dynamic array of shots all around the wicket. The New South Welshman wasted no time in reaching triple-figures needing just 90 balls to do so as the undisputed lynchpin of the hosts’ batting lineup.

After the Prime Minister’s XI fell to 2-22, Konstas rallied alongside Jack Clayton (40 off 52) for a rapid third-wicket partnership of 109. Though, Clayton’s dismissal brought about a stunning collapse, as the Australian contingent lost 5-7 within 17 devastating deliveries.

Backing up his strong form in the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test at Optus Stadium, Harshit Rana produced consecutive double-wicket overs en route to innings best figures of 4-44. Rana removed both Oliver Davies and Sam Harper for nought in the scintillating spell.

That left Konstas to pick up the pieces with help from number nine Hanno Jacobs, who peeled off 61 (60). After the opener also departed, ACT native Jacobs continued to bat with the tail for a total of 240 off 43.2 overs. Akash Deep (2-58) was the only Indian to bowl out a full 10 overs.

In response, India forged a 75-run opening stand between KL Rahul (27 off 44) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (45 off 59). Rahul retired unbeaten along with first drop Shubman Gill, who hardly missed a beat to post 50 off 62 balls in his return from a broken thumb.

The return of skipper Rohit Sharma (paternity leave) wasn’t quite as fruitful, with the usual opener falling for just three runs after coming in at number four. Contributions of 42 from Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar (not out) saw India surpass the target and bat out its overs for a total of 5-257.

Charlie Anderson (2-30) was the Prime Minister’s XI’s only multiple wicket taker. Scott Boland, the likely Test replacement for Josh Hazlewood (injured), managed an economical 0-36 as one of nine Australian bowlers used, but the only one to thrown down a full 10 overs.

Indian stars Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravichandran Ashwin did not take part in the fixture. Dashing opener Jaiswal sought treatment from the physio for his lower back before being removed by Anderson, while batter Sarfaraz Khan took the gloves in place of Rishabh Pant.

SCORECARD

RESULT: India def. PM’s XI by 5 wickets.
POTM: Sam Konstas (Prime Minister’s XI)
TOSS: India won the toss and elected to bowl.

Prime Minister’s XI: 10-240 (43.2)
Sam Konstas 107 (97), Hanno Jacobs 61 (60), Jack Clayton 40 (52)
Harshit Rana 4-44 (6), Akash Deep 2-58 (10), Mohammed Siraj 1-18 (7)

India: 5-257 (46.0)
Shubman Gill 50* (62), Yashasvi Jaiswal 45 (59), Washington Sundar 42* (36)
Charlie Anderson 2-30 (6), Jack Clayton 1-11 (2), Matthew Renshaw 1-13 (3)