INDA vs SAA, 3rd unofficial ODI: South Africa A avoid series whitewash, defeat India A by 73 runs with massive 242-run opening stand

South Africa A defeated India by 73 runs in the third unofficial ODI to save the series whitewash.

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South Africa A players celebrate the wicket of an India A batter

South Africa A players celebrate the wicket of an India A batter

Story Highlights:

South Africa A defeated India A by 73 runs in 3rd unofficial ODI.

Ruturaj Gaikward awarded Player of the Match against South Africa A.

Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Rivaldo Moonsamy's individual centuries helped South Africa A register a dominating 73-run win against India A in the third unofficial ODI at Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. Trailing 0-2 in the series, South Africa A posted a massive 325, with a 242-run opening partnership between Pretorius and Moonsamy setting the foundation. Pretorius smashed the bowlers all over the ground, scoring 123 off 98 balls, including nine fours and six sixes, while Moonsamy made 107 at a steadier pace.

India tried to shift the momentum

After opting to bowl, India A tried to shift the momentum with Prasidh Krishna removing both centurions in the same over. Harshit Rana was the pick of the bowlers for India, picking two wickets and a quick cameo from Delano Potgieter, who scored 30 off 15 balls, helping South Africa A cross the 320-run mark. For India, Khaleel Ahmed conceded 82 in his spell despite taking two wickets.

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India's chase against South Africa in 3rd Unofficial ODI

While chasing, India A were off to a steady start as they scored 31 in four overs, before Abhishek Sharma was dismissed by Tshepo Moreki. Player of the Series Ruturaj Gaikwad then fell to Bjorn Fortuin, followed by captain Tilak Varma. Riyan Parag’s dismissal to Potgieter left India A struggling at 82 for 4.

Ishan Kishan-Ayush Badoni tried to shift the momentum

Ishan Kishan and Ayush Badoni tried to shift the momentum of the game with an 88-run stand, the highest of the innings. Kishan scored 53 off 67 balls, including two sixes, while Badoni made 66 off 66 balls. However, once Kishan was out, the innings collapsed. Peter picked up key wickets, and despite late resistance from Manav Suthar and Prasidh Krishna, who scored 23 each, India A fell well short of the target.

Brief scores

South Africa A 325/6 in 50 overs (Lhuan-dre Pretorius 123, Rivaldo Moonsamy 107; Harshit Rana 2-47) beat India A 252 in 49.1 overs (Ayush Badoni 66; Ishan Kishan 53; Nqabayomzi Peter 4-48) by 73 runs

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