India A faced a stunning defeat against South Africa A on November 9, 2025, as the visitors successfully chased down a massive target of 417 runs in the second unofficial Test at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1, Bengaluru. This loss, particularly the performance of the Indian bowlers, brought back haunting memories of past collapses, most notably the New Zealand tour, where similar batting failures occurred. The series ended in a 1-1 stalemate.
South Africa A's chase was anchored by outstanding performances from their top order, with Jordan Hermann (91), Lesego Senokwane (77), and Zubayr Hamza (77) making significant contributions. Hermann and Senokwane initiated the chase with a solid 156-run opening partnership, putting immense pressure on the India A bowlers. Despite Prasidh Krishna's breakthrough in dismissing Hermann, and Harsh Dubey removing Senokwane, South Africa A continued to build momentum. Hamza and Temba Bavuma further frustrated the hosts, maintaining a steady scoring rate. Wicketkeeper Connor Esterhuizen's counter-attacking innings (52 off 53) alongside Tiaan van Vuuren (20 off 23) eventually guided South Africa A to a memorable victory, reaching the target in 98 overs.
The India A bowling attack, featuring experienced Test players Mohammed Siraj (1/53), Akash Deep (1/106), Kuldeep Yadav (0/81), and Prasidh Krishna (2/49), struggled to contain the South African batsmen, especially in favorable batting conditions. Siraj and Akash Deep initially made early inroads, reducing South Africa A to 12/3, but the visitors recovered well. Kuldeep Yadav and Harsh Dubey also took a wicket each. The failure of senior bowlers like Siraj, Akash Deep, and Kuldeep to deliver crucial breakthroughs proved costly for India A.
Ravichandran Ashwin praised Jordan Hermann for his impressive performance in the match. Ashwin noted Hermann's rapid progress in South African cricket, highlighting his 91-run innings against a strong Indian bowling attack.
Earlier in the match, India A had declared their second innings at 382/7, setting the challenging target of 417 for South Africa A. Dhruv Jurel scored an unbeaten 127. In the first innings, India A were bowled out for 255, with Dhruv Jurel remaining unbeaten on 132. Marques Ackerman was named Player of the Match for his first-innings 134.
The loss has prompted concerns about the effectiveness of India A's bowling attack and their inability to defend a substantial target. The performance of Siraj, Akash Deep, and Kuldeep, all of whom have represented India at the highest level, has raised questions about their form and consistency. This defeat serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities within the Indian bowling lineup and highlights the need for improvement before the senior South African side tours India for two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is.
