India A Bowlers Stage Late Comeback, South Africa A Finish Day 1 at 299/9
A spirited fightback from India A’s bowlers turned the tide on the opening day of the first unofficial Test against South Africa A, as the visitors stumbled from a commanding position to finish at 299/9 at stumps on Day 1 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1.
After South Africa A’s top-order dominated the first two sessions, Tanush Kotian led India’s resurgence with an impressive four-wicket haul, supported ably by Manav Suthar and Khaleel Ahmed, ensuring the hosts ended the day on a high note.
Early Breakthrough and South Africa’s Strong Start
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, South Africa A looked confident early on before Anshul Kamboj drew first blood in the fourth over, dismissing Lesego Senokwane cheaply. However, the early breakthrough did little to dent South Africa’s momentum.
Openers Jordan Hermann and Zubayr Hamza took charge, stabilising the innings and putting together a resilient 108-run partnership for the second wicket.
Both batters displayed exceptional composure — rotating the strike effectively and capitalising on loose deliveries. By lunch, South Africa A were comfortably placed at 108/1, with Hamza batting on 56 and Hermann on 42, signalling early control.
India A’s Fightback in the Second Session
The post-lunch session saw India A claw their way back into the contest. Gurnoor Brar provided the much-needed breakthrough in the 35th over, dismissing Hamza for a well-made 66 off 109 balls, an innings that included nine boundaries and a six.
Soon after, captain Marques Ackerman fell to Tanush Kotian in the 44th over, and Hermann followed in the 50th, dismissed by the same bowler for 71. From a position of dominance, South Africa A suddenly found themselves reeling at 193/4.
Kotian’s accurate spin, coupled with disciplined bowling from the seamers, helped India A regain control by the end of the second session.
Late Collapse After Tea
After the tea interval, India A continued their resurgence. Manav Suthar struck early to remove another South African batter, reducing the visitors to five down. However, a steady 72-run stand between Tiaan van Vuuren and Rubin Hermann revived hopes for the Proteas.
Rubin Hermann batted fluently for his 54 off 98 balls, but just as the partnership began to flourish, Kotian struck again — claiming his third wicket to end the stand. He later dismissed Prenelan Subrayen, capping off a remarkable day with figures of 4/83.
Suthar picked up his second wicket late in the day, while Khaleel Ahmed got into the act just before stumps, removing a tailender to leave South Africa A at 299/9 in 85.3 overs.
At stumps, Tshepo Morek (4)* and Okuhle Cele (0)* were at the crease, tasked with pushing the total past 300 on Day 2.
India A’s Bowling Effort: Persistence Pays Off
While the early part of the day belonged to South Africa, India A’s persistence paid dividends in the final session. Off-spinner Tanush Kotian emerged as the standout performer, turning the match in his team’s favour with consistent line and flight.
Manav Suthar (2/62) provided vital breakthroughs in the middle overs, while left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed (1/45) and Anshul Kamboj (1/29) ensured pressure was maintained from both ends.
India A captain Abhimanyu Easwaran rotated his bowlers smartly, using spin from both ends to exploit the slowing surface in the final session.
South Africa’s Key Contributions
Despite the late collapse, Jordan Hermann’s 71 and Zubayr Hamza’s 66 were the standout performances for South Africa A. Both batters looked assured, playing with patience and precision.
Rubin Hermann’s composed half-century further bolstered the total, but the lack of partnerships beyond the middle order cost the visitors the chance to build a commanding first-innings score.
The Proteas’ tail struggled against India A’s disciplined spin attack, managing just 22 runs for the last five wickets.
What’s Next
India A will aim to wrap up the innings early on Day 2 and look to take advantage of favourable batting conditions under the morning sun. With the pitch already showing signs of turn, the first session will be crucial for both sides.
The visitors, on the other hand, will rely on their pace attack to strike early and test India’s top order.
Brief Scores (Day 1)
South Africa A: 299/9 in 85.3 overs
(Jordan Hermann 71, Zubayr Hamza 66, Rubin Hermann 54; Tanush Kotian 4/83, Manav Suthar 2/62, Khaleel Ahmed 1/45)
At Stumps: South Africa A trail at 299/9 — Tshepo Morek (4*), Okuhle Cele (0*).
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The first day of the unofficial Test at Navi Mumbai belonged to both sides in phases — South Africa A dominating the morning and afternoon, and India A fighting back brilliantly in the evening.
With Tanush Kotian leading the spin charge, India A will now look to capitalise on their late momentum, while South Africa A’s lower order hopes to stretch the total past 320.
As the series opener continues, Day 2 promises an exciting battle between India A’s young batting talent and the Proteas’ disciplined bowling unit.