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Ishan Kishan’s counter-attacking innings helped India A recover from a faulty start in the first innings of third unofficial Test against South Africa A. Once again, it was Hanuma Vihari doing the damage control with the help of Kishan after India A were reduced to 92/4 on Day 2. At the end of day’s play, India A were in a good position with 229 runs on the board for the loss of six wickets. Kishan remained unbeaten for 86 off 141 deliveries including 12 fours and one six.
Unimpressive top order
India A lost their first wicket early as Prithvi Shaw scored just five runs from 12 deliveries. Devdutt Padikkal who is playing his first match on the tour disappointed as well as he scored just eight runs and lost his off stump to Marco Jansen. Opener Abhimanyu Easwaran got off to a good start but could not convert it into a big score. Easwaran scored 28 runs from 53 deliveries. Sarfaraz Khan — the half-centurion of previous match — walked in to bat ahead of Kishan but could score only 14 runs from 57 deliveries.
Kishan-Vihari partnership
Kishan and Vihari took control of the innings and shared a 115-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Skipper Vihari scored 63 runs from 170 deliveries including six fours and one six. This is Vihari’s third consecutive fifty ahead of Virat Kohli-led India’s squad selection for South Africa tour. After Vihari’s wicket, Deepak Chahar walked in to the middle but could add only 10 runs to the board. At the end of Day 2’s play, India still trail by 39 runs. For hosts, Lutho Sipamala was the pick of the bowlers taking three wickets. The wicketkeeper-batter will be looking to get to three figures and bat for a long period with the tail when he comes out to bat on Day 3.
Chahar mops up the tail
Earlier in the first session, South Africa A could add only 21 runs to their overnight score and lost their remaining three wickets. Chahar mopped up the tail quickly with the second new ball. The swing bowler ended the innings with four wickets to his name. On Day 1, Navdeep Saini was the most impactful with the ball taking three wickets including both openers. For hosts, opener Sarel Erwee top-scored with 75 whereas Tony de Zorzi and Zondi registered their respective half-centuries.
