South Africa A pulled off a stunning victory against India A in the second unofficial Test in Bengaluru on November 9, 2025, chasing down a massive target of 417 to level the series 1-1. The visitors displayed remarkable resilience and intent, overcoming a star-studded India A bowling attack.
India A had won the first of the two four-day games, and were looking to seal the series. However, South Africa A had other plans, mounting a determined run-chase on the fourth and final day at the BCCI Centre of Excellence ground.
South Africa A's run chase was anchored by a solid 156-run opening partnership between Jordan Hermann and Lesego Senokwane. Hermann played aggressively, scoring 91 off 123 balls with 13 fours and a six, before being dismissed by Prasidh Krishna. Senokwane contributed a composed 77 off 174 deliveries before being trapped leg-before by Harsh Dubey.
Zubayr Hamza (77) and captain Temba Bavuma (59) then kept the momentum going with a 107-run partnership for the third wicket. Krishna struck again, dismissing Hamza, but Connor Esterhuizen (52 not out) and Tiaan van Vuuren (20 not out) ensured there were no further hiccups, guiding South Africa A to victory. Esterhuizen remained unbeaten, scoring his 52 runs off 54 balls, and hitting eight fours and a six. South Africa A reached the target in just 9.4 overs on the fourth day.
India A's bowling attack, which included prominent names like Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Kuldeep Yadav, and Prasidh Krishna, struggled to contain the South African batsmen. Krishna was the most successful, taking 2/49, while Siraj (1/53), Akash Deep (1/106), and Harsh Dubey (1/111) each took a single wicket.
Earlier in the match, Dhruv Jurel's back-to-back century helped India A set a target of 417 for South Africa A. India A scored 382 runs in their second innings, with Jurel making 127 and Harsh Dubey contributing 84.
This victory will provide a significant morale boost for South Africa A ahead of the first Test against India, which commences in Kolkata on Friday. However, India will be hoping that any knocks to Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, and Siraj are not serious. Pant had retired hurt while batting on Saturday before resuming, and spent time with the physio on the last day.
