Can Tanush Kotian Lead India A to Victory with 4-83 as South Africa A Ends Day 1 at 299/9?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tanush Kotian showed exceptional skill with 4-83.
- South Africa A ended Day 1 at 299-9.
- Jordan Hermann and Zubayr Hamza formed a crucial partnership.
- India A bowlers made a strong comeback.
- The match is poised for an exciting Day 2.
Bengaluru, Oct 30 (NationPress) In a remarkable turnaround, the bowlers from India A managed to restrict South Africa A to 299-9 by the end of Day 1 in the first unofficial Test at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1.
Right from the start, Anshul Kamboj made his mark by claiming an early wicket of Lesego Senokwane in the fourth over. Following this, the South African batsmen, particularly Jordan Hermann and Zubayr Hamza, exhibited their skills with a robust partnership that saw them through the initial session.
Despite the early loss, the duo maintained their composure, finishing the first session at 108/1 in 27 overs, with Hamza and Hermann remaining not out on 56 and 42 runs, respectively.
As the second session commenced, they continued their aggressive batting until Gurnoor Brar broke the partnership in the 35th over, providing a significant breakthrough for the team.
Hamza's impressive innings of 66 runs off 109 balls, featuring nine fours and a six, set a solid foundation for their first innings after opting to bat first.
Captain Marques Ackerman's dismissal by Tanush Kotian in the 44th over further invigorated the Indian side. Kotian then struck again in the 50th over, taking down the seasoned opener Hermann, resulting in South Africa losing three wickets in a short span of less than 15 overs. By the end of the second session, South Africa was at 193-4.
Post-tea, Manav Suthar added to his tally by taking a wicket early in the third session, reducing the visitors to half their batting lineup. However, Tiaan van Vuuren and Rubin Hermann managed to stabilize the innings with a 72-run partnership, restoring some momentum for the Proteas.
Kotian then achieved his third wicket by dismissing the in-form Rubin, who contributed 54 runs before departing. The day ended with Kotian claiming a total of four wickets after dismissing Prenelan Subrayen, bringing the visitors down to 277 for 7 in 75 overs.
As the day wrapped up, Suthar took another wicket, while Khaleel Ahmed marked his first before stumps were called. South Africa concluded the day at 299/9, and India will be looking to wrap up the visitors' innings early on Day 2, aiming to take the lead.
Tshepo Morek, at 4*(38), and Okuhle Cele, at 0*(0), will resume the innings for the visitors on Friday.
Brief Scores: South Africa A 299/9 in 85.32 overs (Jordan Hermann 71, Zubayr Hamza 66; Tanush Kotian 4-83, Manav Suthar 2-62) in 1st innings vs India A.