Bengaluru, Oct 31 (NationPress) Prenelan Subrayen showcased extraordinary control and endurance, steering South Africa A towards victory on the second day of the inaugural unofficial Test against India A at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1 in Bengaluru.

The 32-year-old off-spinner delivered a remarkable unbroken 22-over spell, concluding with impressive figures of 5 for 61, as India A plunged from a commanding score of 90 for no loss to a total of 234 all out. With a first-innings lead of 75, South Africa A ended the day at 30 for no loss, strengthening their dominance with two full days remaining.

For Subrayen, whose career has seen interruptions due to reports of suspect bowling actions, this five-wicket haul—his 13th in first-class cricket—served as a testament to his resilience and skill.

Despite being omitted from South Africa’s squad for the upcoming tour of India, the off-spinner delivered a performance that echoed his determination. His relentless spell combined subtle variations in flight and pace with unyielding precision, supported by four close catchers positioned around the bat.

He dismantled India A's solid opening partnership by deceiving Ayush Mhatre in the air, leading to a catch at midwicket. Mhatre, who was the top scorer with 65 runs off 76 balls, had initially dominated with sharp drives and fearless footwork, even reaching a fluent half-century in just 46 balls.

Devdutt Padikkal (6) was dismissed next, miscuing a lofted hit to mid-off, while Rajat Patidar fell victim to a sharply turning delivery. Tanush Kotian’s defensive jab ballooned to short leg, and Khaleel Ahmed’s attempted slog to long-on completed Subrayen’s five-wicket haul.

Among the few highlights for India A were Mhatre’s aggressive approach and the return of Rishabh Pant, who played his first competitive innings since recovering from injury.

Pant, warmly welcomed by the sparse crowd, appeared eager to counterattack but was dismissed for 17, edging a short ball from Okuhle Cele to the slips. Earlier, B Sai Sudharsan managed a scratchy 32 off 94 balls before falling to Tshepo Moreki, who found his outside edge.

By the close of play, the South Africa A openers had safely navigated 11 overs, reaching 30 without loss and extending their overall lead to 105 runs. On a pitch that offered turn and uneven bounce, Subrayen’s marathon spell not only dismantled India A’s innings but also placed the visitors in a commanding position as they head into Day 3.

Brief scores:

South Africa A 299/9 & 30/0 in 12 overs (Jordan Hermann 12 not out, Lesego Senokwane 9) lead India A 234 all out in 58 overs (Ayush Mhatre 65, Ayush Badoni 38; Prenelan Subrayen 5-61, Lutho Sipamla 2-35) by 105 runs