Can South Africa A's Bowlers Hold Back India A?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tanush Kotian leads with a four-wicket haul.
- India A sets a target of 275 runs for victory.
- Gurnoor Brar and Anshul Kamboj contribute crucial wickets.
- Sai Sudharsan and Rajat Patidar aim to build a solid innings.
- Match held at BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1.
Bengaluru, Nov 1 (NationPress) In their second innings, India A bowled out South Africa A for 199 runs, establishing a challenging target of 275 runs to clinch the first unofficial Test of the two-match series at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1. Once again, Tanush Kotian proved to be the standout bowler, wrapping up his spell with an impressive four-wicket haul.
As Day 3 commenced, Gurnoor Brar made an immediate impact by claiming a wicket in the second over, swiftly dismissing Jordan. Although Senokwane and Zubayr Hamza sought to stabilize the innings, Manav Suthar continued his excellent form and removed Hamza.
In an electrifying moment during the 28th over, Tanush Kotian struck twice, taking out Marques Ackerman and Senokwane with the first and last balls, invigorating the Indian side. Following that, Anshul Kamboj celebrated by claiming the fifth wicket of the Proteas, bowling out Rubin Hermann for a mere 15 runs off 18 balls, as the visitors struggled to gain momentum.
Kamboj swiftly added another wicket to his tally, dismissing Tiaan van Vuuren with a fantastic catch by wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant. Consequently, South Africa A concluded their first innings at 128/6 in 34.5 overs, leading by 203 runs before lunch.
Resuming after lunch, Indian bowlers maintained their relentless attack, and South Africa's innings ended within just 13 overs. While both Kamboj and Brar struck once, Kotian added two more wickets to finish with 4/26 in eight overs.
As India began their batting stint in the same session, Tshepo Moreki gave his team an early breakthrough by dismissing opener Ayush Mhatre after he managed a nine-ball six. Okuhle Cele soon joined the celebrations, sending top-order batter Devdutt Padikkal back for just 5 runs off 15 balls, leaving the hosts at 25/2 in nine overs before the teams went for tea.
Sai Sudharsan (8 not out) and Rajat Patidar (5 not out) will look to build the innings in the final session of Day 3.
Summary: India A 309 & 25/2 in 9 overs (Sai Sudharsan 8 nout out, Ayush Mhatre 5; Tshepo Moreki 1-9, Okuhle Cele 1-16) trail South Africa A 234 & 199/10 (Lesego Senokwane 37, Zubayr Hamza 37; Tanush Kotian 4-26, Anshul Kamboj 3-39) by 249 runs.