India A led by Rishabh Pant registered a thrilling three-wicket win over South Africa A in first unofficial Test. On Day 4, Pant’s 90-run knock was followed up by Anshul Kamboj and Manav Suthar's unbeaten cameos as India chased down the target of 275 to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Tanush Kotian was named player of the match for taking two four-fers.
Pant sets the tone
Despite the top-order collapse on Day 3, the game was delicately poised between the two teams as Pant scored a half-century. On Day 4, he hit a six off the second ball to make his intentions clear. He was storming towards a century but lost his wicket to Tiaan Van Vuuren. The southpaw hit four sixes and 11 fours in his 113-ball 90.
Later in the first session, Ayush Badoni and Kotian departed as well. Badoni lost his wicket to Van Vuuren for a 47-ball 34 whereas Kotian scored 23 runs from 30 deliveries before getting dismissed by Lutho Sipamla. India A were 216/7 at lunch break.
Kamboj, Suthar lead India A to victory
Kamboj and Suthar got the lunch by their side. Kamboj took the attacking route and targeted Van Vuuren. Suthar played the supporting role on the other end. They frustrated the visitors. Wild slogs and thick edges favoured India A. They finished the run chase in the 74th over. Suthar contributed with 20 runs from 46 balls. Kamboj hit two sixes and four fours in his unbeaten 46-ball 37.
What happened from Day 1 to Day 3?
Earlier, Pant won the toss and opted to bowl first. Jordan Hermann, Zubayr Hamza and Rubin Hermann scored half-centuries as South Africa A posted 309 on the board. Kotian registered a four-wicket haul whereas Gurnoor Brar and Suthar got two wickets apiece.
In reply, India got off to a decent start with a 90-run opening partnership. After Ayush Mhatre's half-century, India A's prominent batters could not get big scores. India A were bowled out for 234 as Prenelan Subrayen claimed a fifer.
South Africa A could not set a daunting target as they were bowled out for 199. Kotian bagged another four-fer whereas Kamboj claimed three.
India A's top-order failed in the run chase and the hosts were 32/3. It was Pant who led from the front and inspired them to a win.
Big names to join India A next week
For the second game of the series, India's star players Mohammed Siraj, Dhruv Jurel and Akash Deep will join the squad. It will serve as a warm-up for the Test series against South Africa beginning on November 14 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The second unofficial Test will start on November 6 in Bengaluru.