Centuries by Pretorious and Moonsamy Propel South Africa A to Dominant Victory

On Wednesday, at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, South Africa-A clinched a decisive 73-run victory in the third and final one-day match. Their batting and improved bowling came together to defeat India-A, preventing a series sweep with India-A securing the series 2-1.

South Africa-A delivered an all-round performance they had been aiming for, thanks to a formidable 241-run opening partnership between centurions Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Rivaldo Moonsamy. Their bowlers then kept up the pressure, successfully dismissing India-A for 252 runs while defending a target of 326.

India-A initiated their chase steadily, with Ruturaj Gaikwad displaying exquisite timing. However, regular wicket losses hindered their progress. Abhishek Sharma was caught out trying to pull Tshepo Moreki, and captain Tilak Varma struggled before being bowled out.

Gaikwad’s early promise was thwarted by Bjorn Fortuin, leaving India-A at 57 for three. Despite a strong start by Riyan Parag, he failed to capitalize on it, worsening the situation.

Ishan Kishan and Ayush Badoni provided the only substantial resistance, forming a fluent 88-run partnership as they cautiously rebuilt the innings. Kishan reached his half-century with a crisp cut, while Badoni displayed excellent skill in crafting his fifty.

However, the chase fell apart when Nqaba Peter’s leg spin proved decisive. Kishan misjudged a stroke, Badoni top-edged a slog, and Harshit Rana and Nishant Sindhu were quickly dismissed by Fortuin. From 160 for four, India-A soon found themselves outpaced and outmatched.

Peter claimed four wickets for 48 runs, with Moreki and Fortuin maintaining pressure on India-A during the middle overs. Although Manav Suthar and Prasidh Krishna attempted some late fireworks, Marques Ackerman’s team had already secured the advantage.

Earlier, after being put to bat, South Africa-A’s top order excelled with a stellar performance despite the early start. Pretorius and Moonsamy spearheaded the effort, with Pretorius reaching his half-century in 39 balls. Moonsamy provided initial stability before finding his stride.

Khaleel Ahmed and Prasidh Krishna, India-A’s opening bowlers, struggled for consistency, and Rana’s no-ball further added to India-A’s woes. The openers remained unchallenged as they continued to amass runs.

Pretorius celebrated his century in 98 balls and powered through with three consecutive sixes off Badoni in one over. Moonsamy achieved his ton in 123 balls, marking it with successive boundaries.

Prasidh finally ended the significant opening partnership by trapping Moonsamy for 107 and dismissing Pretorius for 123 in the same over. While Rana and Khaleel contributed with late wickets, Delano Potgieter’s dynamic 30 off 15 balls ensured South Africa-A posted an intimidating 325/6, a target India-A found insurmountable on the day.

Published on November 19, 2025.