In Bengaluru, on a bright Saturday afternoon, Rishabh Pant (64 not out) arrived at the crease with his signature confidence. He immediately made his presence felt, hitting Okuhle Cele for two quick boundaries in his very first over. India ‘A’ was in a tough spot at 32/3, having lost Sai Sudharsan, Ayush Mhatre, and Devdutt Padikkal early. While many might have expected a cautious approach from the captain, Pant stuck to his naturally aggressive style, balancing it with an awareness of the match situation.
Chasing a target of 275 runs set by South Africa ‘A’ at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, Pant spearheaded a crucial comeback alongside Rajat Patidar (28). By the end of day three, the hosts had reached 119/4, setting the stage for a thrilling final day where they need 156 more runs to win.
It was a day dominated by bowlers, with a total of 15 wickets falling. South Africa ‘A’, who began the day at 30 for no loss, were eventually bowled out for 199. Gurnoor Brar (2/40) provided an early breakthrough for India ‘A’, dismissing Jordan Hermann. Apart from Lesego Senokwane and Zubayr Hamza, who both contributed 37 runs, no other South African ‘A’ batsman managed to build a substantial innings. A vital 43-ball, 42-run partnership for the eighth wicket between Tshepo Moreki (25) and Prenelan Subrayen was essential for their total. For India ‘A’, Tanush Kotian was the pick of the bowlers with 4/26, supported by Anshul Kamboj who took three wickets.
Pant’s Powerful Performance
During his 130 minutes at the crease, Pant displayed his characteristic energy, audacious shots, and quick singles, keeping both the ground staff and fielders constantly on their toes. He became the architect of India ‘A”s recovery while Patidar found his rhythm. Pant’s batting was a perfect blend of aggressive intent and measured patience. He confidently dispatched a short delivery from off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen over the covers for a six, then settled down to defend for several overs before launching Subrayen again over midwicket for another maximum to break the defensive phase.
Both experienced batsmen received crucial reprieves. Patidar was dropped at seven runs by Jordan in the slips, and Pant survived a chance on 46 when Okuhle Cele dropped him at deep fine leg off Tiaan Van Vuuren’s bowling – a missed opportunity that could prove expensive for the South African ‘A’ side. Pant reached his half-century in just 65 balls with a boundary through the covers.
Just as their partnership was gaining momentum, Patidar (28) unexpectedly threw his wicket away just before stumps, his ramp shot finding wicketkeeper Rivaldo Moonsamy. This brought an end to an otherwise promising stand.
Brief scores: South Africa ‘A’: 309 & 199 (Lesego Senokwane 37, Zubayr Hamza 37, Tshepo Moreki 25; Anshul Kamboj 3-39, Gurnoor Brar 2-40, Tanush Kotian 4-26) versus India ‘A’: 234 & 119/4 in 39 overs (Rajat Patidar 28, Rishabh Pant 64 not out; Tshepo Moreki 2-12).