Bengaluru: A brilliant innings of 90 from Rishabh Pant and some gritty late-order batting propelled India A to a thrilling three-wicket victory over South Africa A in the first of two unofficial four-day Tests at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1 in Bengaluru on Sunday. Chasing a target of 257, India A found themselves in early trouble, but Pant's counter-attacking innings and a calm, unbeaten partnership between Anshul Kamboj and Manav Suthar guided the hosts to victory.
South Africa A won the toss and batted first, posting 309 in their first innings, with Jordan Hermann (71), Zubayr Hamza (66), and Rubin Hermann (54) all contributing half-centuries. Tanush Kotian was the pick of the Indian bowlers, taking 4 wickets for 83 runs. In reply, India A were dismissed for 234, with Ayush Mhatre top-scoring with 65. Prenelan Subrayen took 5 wickets for the visitors.
In their second innings, South Africa A were bowled out for 199, thanks to a combined effort from Kamboj (3/39) and Kotian (4/26). Lesogo Senokwane and Zubayr Hamza were the top scorers with 37 runs each. This set India A a target of 257 to win the match.
India A's chase got off to a shaky start, with Tshepo Moreki and Okuhle Cele removing the top order cheaply. At 32 for 3, the hosts were in a precarious position. Rishabh Pant then took charge, smashing 11 fours and four sixes in a blistering innings of 90 off 113 balls. He found valuable support from Rajat Patidar (28) and Ayush Badoni (34), who helped steady the ship.
However, just when it seemed India A were cruising towards victory, both Pant and Badoni fell on the final morning, leaving the game in the balance. With the score at 195 for 7, South Africa A sensed an opportunity to snatch a win. But Anshul Kamboj (37) and Manav Suthar (20) displayed remarkable composure under pressure, forging an unbeaten 62-run partnership to see India A home. Kamboj and Suthar's calm heads and clever stroke play ensured India A secured the win by mid-afternoon on Day 4.
Tanush Kotian was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance. With this victory, India A take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The second match will be played in Mysuru.
