BENGALURU: In a surprising turn of events, India ‘A’ skipper Rishabh Pant opted to bowl first in their four-day match against South Africa ‘A’ on Thursday. Despite a green pitch and moist conditions that usually favor pacers, it was the spinners who ultimately proved Pant’s decision right.
The opening bowlers, Anshul Kamboj and Khaleel Ahmed, struggled to make an impact. Kamboj managed an early breakthrough, dismissing opener Lesego Senokwane for a duck, caught at first slip by Ayush Mhatre. However, Khaleel Ahmed, in particular, was inconsistent, frequently bowling short and allowing the South African batsmen to score easy boundaries.
The tide truly turned when the spinners entered the attack at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Off-spinner Tanush Kotian was the standout performer, finishing Day 1 with impressive figures of 4 for 83. The 27-year-old played a pivotal role in India ‘A’s fightback, helping restrict the visiting side to 299 runs for the loss of nine wickets in the first four-day game.
Earlier in the day, South African openers Jordhan Hermann (71) and Zubayr Hamza (66) settled into the seaming conditions comfortably. Jordan capitalized on Khaleel’s wayward short deliveries, finding the boundary at mid-on with ease, while showing respect to Kamboj’s tighter bowling. Gurnoor Brar, the first-change bowler, also maintained discipline.
Spin was introduced in the 14th over with Manav Suthar. Both Jordan and Hamza adeptly handled the spin, using their footwork to negate any sharp turn. After a few tight overs following lunch, Brar secured a crucial breakthrough when Hamza’s attempt at an uppercut was safely caught by Pant, ending a robust 130-run second-wicket partnership.
South Africa’s captain Ackerman fell to Kotian’s spin, miscuing a stepped-out shot to Suthar at midfield. Jordan’s brother, Rubin Hermann (54), also contributed a half-century before the Indian bowlers claimed a series of quick wickets in the final session.
Immediately after tea, Suthar struck again, with Rivaldo Moonswamy offering an outside edge to Ayush Badoni at first slip.
PANT FACTOR
Returning to action after a three-month injury layoff, Rishabh Pant showcased no signs of discomfort, diligently keeping wickets throughout the day. Looking noticeably leaner and fitter, he appeared as agile as ever.
Interestingly, Ishan Kishan was called in as a cover for N Jagadeesan, who suffered an unfortunate injury on the eve of the match when a teammate accidentally stepped on his right hand during training.
Brief scores: South Africa ‘A’: 299/9 in 85.2 overs (Jordan Hermann 71, Zubayr Hamza 66, Rubin Hermann 54, Tiaan van Subrayen 46; Manav Suthar 2-62, Tanush Kotian 4-83) vs India ‘A’