India A vs South Africa A: Rishabh Pant Holds Fort in Second Unofficial Test
KL Rahul falls early as Rishabh Pant steadies India A’s innings against South Africa A on Day 3.
India A faced a challenging situation on Day 3 of the second unofficial Test against South Africa A as the hosts lost their fourth wicket with KL Rahul falling for 27. The wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant remained unbeaten at the crease alongside spinner Kuldeep Yadav, attempting to steady the innings after a shaky start. South African pacer Okuhle Cele delivered the key breakthrough, trapping Rahul and tightening the pressure on the Indian batting lineup.
The day began with India A hoping to build on their slender 34-run first-innings lead after having dismissed the visitors for 221 on Day 2. Despite the solid partnership expectations placed on Rahul and Pant, the Proteas kept striking at regular intervals, exploiting early morning conditions effectively. Their disciplined bowling restricted India A’s scoring rate, forcing the lower middle order into a defensive stance.
Earlier, South Africa A captain Marques Ackerman had stolen the spotlight on Day 2 with an aggressive 134-run knock, his innings helping the visitors stay within touching distance of India A’s first-innings total of 255. However, Ackerman’s efforts went in vain as the team fell short, giving India A a narrow lead going into the second innings. For India A, the spin duo led by Kuldeep Yadav and Mukesh Kumar’s controlled pace spell had ensured a timely collapse of the South African tail.
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As play progressed on Day 3, the focus shifted to Rishabh Pant, whose return to red-ball cricket has been eagerly followed after a long injury layoff. Known for his counterattacking style, Pant now carries India A’s hopes of setting up a formidable second-innings target. Kuldeep Yadav’s composure at the other end has provided crucial support as the team looks to extend its advantage.
Meanwhile, South Africa A continues to show intent with both seamers and spinners working in tandem, keeping India A’s scoring under check. The upcoming sessions will be decisive in shaping the match’s direction, with the hosts aiming for a strong total while the visitors eye a quick collapse to stay in contention.
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