South Africa A Chase 417 To Draw Series 1-1 Against India A

South Africa A pulled off a stunning chase of 417 runs on the final day of the second unofficial Test against India A at the Mangaung Oval on Sunday, levelling the two-match series 1-1 with five wickets in hand. Resuming at 88 for 2, the hosts lost early wickets, but a resilient middle-order display powered them to victory in the afternoon session. Jordan Hermann top-scored with 91, while Lesego Senokwane (77), Zubayr Hamza (77), captain Temba Bavuma (59), and wicketkeeper Connor Esterhuizen (52 not out) all struck crucial half-centuries to dismantle India A’s formidable target.

The foundation was laid by overnight batsmen Hermann and Senokwane, who added 142 for the third wicket before India spinners Prasidh Krishna and Washington Sundar struck in quick succession. Hamza and Bavuma then steadied the innings with a 120-run partnership, blunting the attack on a wearing pitch. Esterhuizen’s unbeaten knock, supported by the lower order, sealed the deal as South Africa A reached 420 for 5 in 87.3 overs—their highest successful fourth-innings chase in unofficial Tests.

India A’s bowlers toiled hard but lacked penetration on a flat track, with Krishna claiming 2 for 82 and Sundar 2 for 104. Earlier declarations had set up the game after India A posted 373 and 293 in their two innings, backed by centuries from Tilak Varma and Dhruv Jurel in the first Test win. The draw in Bloemfontein highlighted emerging talents on both sides ahead of senior international commitments.

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The series provided valuable red-ball exposure for fringe players, with South Africa A rebounding emphatically after a heavy defeat in the opener. For India A, the loss underscored batting inconsistencies despite strong individual performances. As both teams disperse, several players—including Bavuma, Hamza, and India’s young guns—return to domestic duty, eyeing national call-ups in the coming months.

Also Read: Dhruv Jurel Stands Tall With 132* As India A Recover To 255