PTI
Bengaluru
South Africa A produced a batting masterclass to script a record five-wicket victory over India A on the fourth day of the second four-day match at the BCCI Centre of Excellence on Sunday, successfully chasing down an imposing 417-run target — the highest in ‘A’ match history.
Resuming at 25 for no loss, the visitors showed remarkable intent and composure as openers Jordan Hermann (91, 123b) and Lesego Senokwane (77, 174b) put on 156 runs off 258 balls, setting up the chase with a controlled yet positive partnership. By lunch, South Africa were 139 without loss, as the pitch had eased out following
heavy rolling.
From 197 for two, captain Temba Bavuma (59, 101b) and Zubayr Hamza (77, 88b) added 107 runs for the third wicket, steering the innings with authority. Prasidh later bowled Hamza off an inside edge, while Bavuma holed out to Sai Sudharsan after reaching a confidence-boosting fifty. At 352 for five, South Africa needed 65 more runs, which Connor Esterhuizen (52*, 54b) and Tiaan van Vuuren (20*) collected calmly to complete the chase with three overs remaining, as the game extended beyond 5 pm to complete the 90-over quota.
Despite the defeat, India A found positives in Rishabh Pant’s return to full fitness, Dhruv Jurel’s batting progress, and valuable match practice for their Test bowlers ahead of the senior side’s tour of South Africa.
