Did Pretorius and Moonsamy Lead South Africa A to a 73-Run Victory Over India A?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- South Africa A posted a total of 325/6.
- Lhuan-dre Pretorius scored 123 runs.
- Rivaldo Moonsamy contributed with 107 runs.
- India A was bowled out for 252.
- Nqaba Peter took 4 wickets for 48 runs.
Rajkot, Nov 19 (NationPress) South Africa A concluded their tour with a decisive 73-run victory against India A in the third and final one-day match held at Niranjan Shah Stadium on Wednesday. The visitors capitalized on a remarkable 241-run opening partnership between centurions Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Rivaldo Moonsamy, setting a formidable total of 325/6. Their bowlers effectively restricted India A to 252.
This result allowed South Africa A to avoid a series clean sweep, with India A taking the series 2-1.
The top order of South Africa A demonstrated an almost impeccable performance after being set to bat. Pretorius quickly reached a fifty off just 39 balls and completed his century in 98 balls, notably hitting three consecutive sixes off Ayush Badoni in the 35th over. He finished with a stellar 123 runs from 98 deliveries, featuring nine fours and six sixes.
Meanwhile, Moonsamy provided solid support before finding his rhythm, scoring his century in 123 balls, ultimately totaling 107 runs off 130 balls. The partnership was finally broken in the 38th over by Prasidh Krishna, who dismissed both openers. However, a spirited performance from Delano Potgieter, who scored a brisk 30 runs off just 15 balls, helped the visitors reach 325/6, a target that proved more than sufficient for victory.
In their chase for 326, India A started off steadily with Ruturaj Gaikwad, but the loss of regular wickets hampered their progress. Abhishek Sharma was dismissed by Tshepo Moreki, captain Tilak Varma was bowled for 11, and Gaikwad's promising innings ended when Bjorn Fortuin breached his defense. Riyan Parag also departed after a quick start, leaving India A struggling at 82/4.
The only significant resistance came through an 88-run partnership between Badoni and Ishan Kishan. Wicketkeeper-batter Kishan scored 53, while all-rounder Badoni impressed with 66 runs. However, leg-spinner Nqaba Peter shifted the momentum by dismissing both set batsmen in rapid succession, concluding with figures of 4-48. From a comfortable 170/5, India A collapsed and never posed a serious threat to the target, despite some late hitting from Krishan and Manav Suthar.
Brief scores:
South Africa A: 325/6 in 50 overs (Lhuan-dre Pretorius 123, Rivaldo Moonsamy 107; Harshit Rana 2-47, Prasidh Krishna 2-52) beat India A: 252 all out in 49.1 overs (Ayush Badoni 66, Ishan Kishan 53; Nqabayomzi Peter 4-48, Tshepo Moreki 3-58) by 73 runs