Badani hundred fires India A to four-wicket win

An unbeaten century from Hemang Badani guided India A to an emphatic four-wicket win with five and a half overs to spare against Leicestershire at Grace Road.

Badani, the captain, led by example to keep India A well on top of the run chase with a sparkling 111 not out from 97 balls, including nine fours and four sixes. Opener Gautam Gambhir also impressed with 74 from 73 balls against a second-string Leicestershire attack.

After a shaky start in which David Masters struck twice in quick succession to leave them on 15 for 2, Gambhir and Badani got things back on track with 137 for the third wicket. A few quick wickets fell after Gambhir was out, but that didn't stop the unflustered Badani accelerating to the winning post.

After winning the toss and batting first, Leicestershire wasted no time in racing to 262 for 3 from their 50 overs. Darren Stevens top-scored with 101 not out, while Paul Nixon scored 76, but in the end it wasn't enough.