In a gripping finale on a pitch that favored the bowlers, India-A’s lower order showcased incredible resilience. A match-winning, unbroken 62-run partnership for the eighth wicket between Manav Suthar and Anshul Kamboj allowed the home team to successfully chase a challenging target of 275 runs, securing a thrilling three-wicket victory over South Africa-A in the inaugural ‘Test’ at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Grounds in Bengaluru on Sunday.
Manav Suthar, scoring an unbeaten 20 runs off 56 balls with three fours, and Anshul Kamboj, smashing an unbeaten 37 runs off 46 balls, including four fours and two sixes, bravely faced a relentless barrage of short-pitched deliveries. Their calm and determined batting guided India-A past the finish line, navigating through tense moments that could have easily turned the tide in favor of the visitors.
The morning of the fourth day promised excitement, and Rishabh Pant delivered. From the second ball he faced, Pant (90 runs off 113 balls, featuring 11 fours and 4 sixes) immediately signalled his aggressive intentions, launching a full-length delivery over extra cover for a maximum. He swiftly followed this with a couple of elegant boundaries towards third-man, setting a vibrant tone for India-A’s chase.
Pant continued his fierce attack on pacers Okuhle Cele and Tshepo Moreki, dispatching them to all corners of the ground with remarkable ease. At the other end, Ayush Badoni (34 runs off 47 balls, with 4 fours) joined the fray, skillfully flicking a fuller ball through mid-wicket, followed by a magnificent cover drive and another whip through the on-side. Together, this dynamic duo added a rapid 38 runs in just the first six overs of the morning session.
A change in bowling almost brought the crucial breakthrough. Off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen successfully enticed Pant into a sweep shot, which flew directly to backward short leg. However, the fielder unfortunately dropped the sharp chance, granting Pant his second lifeline of the match, having already been dropped by Cele off Tiaan Van Vuuren the previous evening.
Nevertheless, Tiaan Van Vuuren soon had his redemption. He bowled a well-directed short ball that Pant top-edged to second slip, bringing an end to his exhilarating innings and a significant threat to South Africa-A.
India-A then experienced a wobble, falling to 216 for seven by lunch as both Badoni and Tanush Kotian (23 runs off 30 balls, with 2 fours) succumbed to bouncers. Van Vuuren claimed Badoni’s wicket, while Lutho Sipamla accounted for Kotian.
After the lunch break, it was the partnership of Suthar and Kamboj that truly shone. Their unwavering composure and remarkable patience proved pivotal, as they steadily built the innings and masterfully guided their side to a memorable victory.
Match Summary: South Africa-A scored 309 and 199. India-A responded with 234 and successfully chased 277/7 in 73.1 overs. Rishabh Pant top-scored with 90 for India-A in the second innings.
Player of the Match: Tanush Kotian.