KANPUR, Oct. 4 -- Stylish Tilak Varma continued his fine run with the willow even on Friday, hammering a fine half-century for India A against Australia A in the second unofficial one-day encounter, but couldn't save the side from facing a nine-wicket defeat in a rain-curtailed match at the Green Park Stadium here. Varma, who struck a match-winning 69 against Pakistan in the Asia Cup final in Dubai last week, showed his class with a crucial 94 runs off 122 balls as India A despite having a shaky start managed to post 246 in 46.5 overs while batting first after winning the toss. In reply, Australia A raced to 48/0 in 5.5 overs before the rain stopped play. On resumption, Australia A needed 160 runs in 25 overs and they lost just one wicket before achieving the required target in 16.4 overs thus levelling the three-match series to 1-1. The last match of the series will be played on Sunday. Opener Mackenzie Harvey (70*, 49b, 10x4, 2x6) and Copper Connolly (50*, 31b, 5x4, 3x4) added unbeaten 103 runs in just 59 balls to complete the rout before a huge gathering. None of the Indian pacers, especially Arshdeep Singh, could impress the visitors as he conceded 44 runs at 11.00 in just four overs. In fact, Varma remained the face saviour for India A as when he walked in the scoreboard read 17/3 in 5.3 overs with all top three batters, including the other Asia Cup star Abhishek Sharma (0), Prabhsimran Singh (1) and skipper Shreyas Iyer (8), already back to the pavilion. . But Varma demonstrated maturity, skill and determination despite having challenging conditions and a disciplined bowling attack. His knock was not just about runs on the board, it also highlighted Varma's growing stature as a middle-order batsman capable of anchoring the innings and playing under pressure. Right from the outset, Varma exhibited remarkable composure. His approach was built on a solid technique combined with thoughtful shot selection. In a situation where early wickets fell, his calmness stood out as he took charge and stabilised the innings. He kept the scoreboard ticking by rotating the strike skilfully, which is critical in the limited-overs format but often overlooked. Varma added 101-run along with Riyan Parag (58, 54b, 6x4, 1x6) for the fourth wicket. Ravi Bishnoi (26, 30b, 2x4, 2x6) and Harshit Rana (21, 13b, 1x4, 2x6) tried to consolidate India A's innings but in vain....