Pant’s Heroics and Lower Order Resilience Propel India A to Victory Over SA A

On a dynamic final day pitch that favored bowlers, India A’s lower order played a crucial role. An unbeaten 62-run partnership for the eighth wicket between Manav Suthar and Anshul Kamboj enabled the hosts to successfully chase a challenging 275-run target, securing an exciting three-wicket win over South Africa-A in the first multi-day match at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Grounds on Sunday.

Suthar and Kamboj faced a barrage of short-pitched deliveries with steadfast batting, steering the team over the line after a few tense moments that nearly allowed the visitors to seize control.

On the final morning, with Rishabh Pant at the crease, excitement was expected. The captain wasted no time, striking a full-length ball over extra cover for six on the second delivery. He then threaded a few boundaries to third man, setting an aggressive early tone.

Pant maintained his aggressive approach against pace bowlers Okuhle Cele and Tshepo Moreki, dispatching deliveries around the ground without difficulty. Ayush Badoni complemented him, skillfully flicking a fuller ball through mid-wicket, executing a splendid cover drive, and whipping another through the on-side. Together, they compiled 38 runs in the first six overs of the morning.

The first bowling change nearly broke through. Off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen tempted Pant into a sweep, directing the ball to backward short leg, but the fielder dropped the sharp chance — Pant’s second life after being dropped by Cele off Tiaan Van Vuuren the night before.

Van Vuuren, however, got his revenge when he delivered a short ball that Pant edged to second slip, concluding his entertaining innings.

Badoni and Tanush Kotian both succumbed to bouncers — Badoni to Van Vuuren and Kotian to Lutho Sipamla — causing India-A to falter to 216 for seven at lunch. After the break, Suthar and Kamboj showcased their composure and patience, leading their team to victory.

Published on Nov 02, 2025