South Africa A managed to reach 299 for nine on the first day of the opening four-day match against India A, thanks largely to a resilient century-stand between Jordan Hermann and Zubayr Hamza. After being asked to bat first, the pair successfully resisted the India A attack, sharing a commanding 130-run partnership for the second wicket and holding the innings together for over a session. Hermann top-scored with 71, while Hamza added 66 before their alliance was broken.
India A spinners dominate after South Africa A's strong start
The shift in momentum occurred when Zubayr Hamza fell to pacer Gurnoor Brar (1/45), caught behind by Rishabh Pant while attempting a ramp shot. This wicket allowed the Indian bowlers to wrest back control. Hamza's dismissal, along with Hermann’s eventual leg-before decision in favour of the impressive off-spinner Tanush Kotian (4/83), generated some on-field dissent from the batters. However, the other top-order dismissals were less contentious: opener Lesego Senokwane slashed pacer Anshul Kamboj to first slip, and Rivaldo Moonsamy edged left-arm spinner Manav Suthar (2/62) to the cordon.
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The visitors quickly lost their grip following Hamza's departure. Skipper Marques Ackermann fell shortly thereafter, uppishly flicking Kotian inside the circle. This flurry of wickets saw the Proteas lose three wickets for just 27 runs, tumbling from a secure position to 197 for five. Led by the exceptional bowling of Tanush Kotian, the India A spinners successfully plucked wickets at regular intervals throughout the day, ensuring South Africa A could not capitalize on their strong initial partnership.
Jordan Hermann, Rubin Hermann, Zubayr Humza shine with fifties
The early session belonged entirely to South Africa A, as the partnership between Jordan Hermann and Zubayr Hamza put the visitors in "cruise mode." During this period, the three Indian pacers—Brar, Kamboj, and Khaleel Ahmed, struggled to create pressure, delivering somewhat uninspired spells despite the pitch offering some initial assistance. Hermann quickly set the tone with a flurry of early boundaries off Ahmed before settling into a supporting role alongside the fluent Hamza.
Hamza’s innings was marked by typical grace, showcasing a series of crisp cuts and flowing drives. He accelerated his scoring by executing a pristine cover drive off Brar and lofting Kotian over mid-off for a six, bringing up his fifth 50-plus score in his last eight innings off just 73 balls. Hermann, in contrast, was more measured, reaching his own half-century in 85 balls; the most aggressive shot of his knock was arguably a well-executed reverse sweep off Suthar.
The match dynamics shifted dramatically in the middle session, largely due to a noticeable increase in intensity from the Indian bowlers. Pacer Gurnoor Brar, in particular, returned to the field with renewed aggression, testing the South African batters with a focused use of well-directed short-pitched deliveries. This improved and more fiery effort paid immediate dividends for the hosts. The Indian bowlers successfully contained the scoring and were rewarded with three crucial wickets, conceding a mere 85 runs during the second session and firmly swinging the balance of the match.
Tanush Kotian's four-fer in India A's fight back
India A seemed poised to seize full advantage after claiming an early wicket in the final session of the day. However, South Africa A found renewed resistance through Rubin Hermann, the elder brother of Jordan, and Tiaan Van Vuuren (42). The pair showcased both pluck and luck, combining for a vital 72-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Rubin Hermann ensured his stay counted, bringing up his fifty in 82 balls, before India clawed back into the game. Their stand was eventually broken when a low, turf-smooching delivery snuck under Hermann’s attempted pull shot and disturbed his stumps.
Meanwhile, the match marked a highly anticipated return for India’s star wicketkeeper, Rishabh Pant. This was Pant’s first competitive outing since sustaining an injury during the fourth Test against England in July. He took a little time to settle into his rhythm behind the stumps, but once he acclimated to the pitch conditions and the bowlers' movements, he was notably tidy and provided plenty of positive signs regarding his recovery and form. As the day progressed, Pant was fully in his element, not only maintaining sharp wicketkeeping but also giving the crowd and teammates entertaining moments picked up by the stump microphone.