India A pulled off a stunning chase against South Africa A in the first of the two unofficial Tests in Bengaluru, spearheaded by a brilliant knock from captain Rishabh Pant.
Pant sets tone in India A's steep chase against South Africa A
Chasing 275 in the fourth innings, India A found themselves in early trouble, losing their top three – Ayush Mhatre (6), Devdutt Padikkal (5), and Sai Sudharsan (12) – cheaply.
Rajat Patidar, who had recently led Central Zone to the Duleep Trophy title, then consolidated the innings. He was partnered at the other end by India A captain Pant, who was playing his first professional match since he sustained a foot injury during the England tour.
The pair built a crucial 87-run stand. Patidar eventually fell for 28 off 87 balls, while Pant continued to play freely at the other end. Pant raced to a quickfire half-century in his usual audacious style and was nearing a well-deserved century, but couldn't get over the line as he was dismissed for 90 off 113 balls, hitting 11 fours and four sixes. Consequently, India A slipped to 172-5.
Lower order defiance guides India A to victory
Ayush Badoni (34) and Tanush Kotian (23) were the next wickets to fall for 195 and 215 respectively, with India still needing 60 runs for victory. The resistance came from No.8 Manav Suthar and No.9 Anshul Kamboj. Suthar kept 56 deliveries at bay for his unbeaten 20, while Kamboj was the aggressor, scoring an unbeaten 37 off 46 balls with four fours and two sixes. They sealed the win in 73.1 overs with three wickets in hand, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
1st unofficial Test, India A vs South Africa A
vs
- Ball by ball Over
India A's win came after conceding a 75-run lead in the first innings. Fifties from the Hermann brothers – Jordan and Rubin – and a 66 from Zubayr Hamza took South Africa A to 309. India A, in response, got off to a strong start with a 90-run opening stand spearheaded by Ayush Mhatre’s 65 off 76 on debut, but they soon lost their way and were bowled out for 234 owing to Prenelan Subrayen’s 5-61.
It was Kotian (4-26) who ensured the tourists didn't fly off in the second innings, restricting them to 199. His match haul of eight wickets (he also took 4-83 in the first innings) won him the Player of the Match award.
Follow Wisden for all cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.
