SA A’s Spectacular 417-Run Chase Levels Series Against IND A

After three exhilarating days and over two tense sessions, the India-A versus South Africa-A match at the BCCI Centre of Excellence concluded dramatically. The visitors chased down a challenging target of 417 runs with five wickets remaining.

Under clear, sunny skies, South Africa-A’s batsmen incrementally chipped away at the score, ultimately reaching their goal with three overs left. India-A captain Rishabh Pant was absent for nearly two sessions, and by the time he returned, the outcome seemed certain.

Starting the day at 25 without loss, opening batsmen Jordan Hermann (91 off 123, 13 fours, 1 six) and Lesego Senokwane (77 off 174, 11 fours) carried through the morning session, amassing 114 runs in 27 overs. Post-lunch, they added another 80 runs from 24 overs before exploding with 198 runs in the final session from 36 overs.

The steady Temba Bavuma was dismissed for 59 (off 101 balls, 7 fours) leaving South Africa-A needing another 65 runs. This moment might have sparked some doubt as Mohammed Siraj had recently dismissed first-innings centurion Marques Ackerman (24 off 26, 4 fours), caught by wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel.

Connor Esterhuizen (52 not out off 54, 8 fours, 1 six) and Tiaan van Vuuren (20 not out off 23, 1 six) then formed a decisive partnership of 65 runs from just 52 deliveries, sealing a victory against an India-A team featuring eight Test players who will soon face South Africa.

Siraj and Prasidh Krishna managed to bowl economically but didn’t succeed in taking wickets. Meanwhile, pacer Akash Deep and spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Harsh Dubey were expensive, collectively giving away 298 runs.

The pitch was more favorable for batting, with little support for the slow bowlers, and India-A struggled to maintain tight lines to stifle the batsmen. Hermann’s display was a lesson in driving, while Senokwane and Bavuma quietly accumulated runs. Zubayr Hamza (77 off 88, 9 fours, 3 sixes) maintained a brisk pace without seeming hurried, ultimately helping South Africa-A level the series 1-1.

Scores:
India-A 255 in 77.1 overs & 382/7 decl. in 89.2 overs, lost to South Africa-A 221 in 47.3 overs & 417/5 in 98 overs (Jordan Hermann 91, Lesego Senokwane 77, Zubayr Hamza 77, Temba Bavuma 59, Connor Esterhuizen 52 not out); Player of the Match: Marques Ackerman; Player of the Series: Dhruv Jurel.

Published on November 9, 2025.