On the third day of the first unofficial test between India A and South Africa A at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground, captain Rishabh Pant delivered a gritty half-century on his comeback from injury, steering his side to 119 for four while chasing a challenging target of 275 runs. Pant, returning to competitive cricket after a prolonged absence due to a serious accident in late 2022, remained unbeaten on 64, showcasing his trademark aggressive strokeplay to rescue India A from a precarious position. The match, part of South Africa's tour of India aimed at preparing both teams for upcoming senior international commitments, has highlighted emerging talents and provided crucial red-ball exposure ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and other bilateral series.

Earlier in the day, India A's bowlers dominated proceedings, dismissing South Africa A for 199 in their second innings to set up the victory equation. Off-spinner Tanush Kotian was the standout performer, claiming four wickets for modest figures and completing a match haul of eight, underlining his growing stature as a reliable domestic all-rounder. Pacer Anshul Kamboj complemented the spin threat with three scalps, including key breakthroughs that dismantled the lower order. South Africa A, who had started the day leading by 105 runs after a first-innings total of 309 against India A's 234, could not capitalise on their advantage, losing wickets in clusters as the Indian attack exploited the wearing pitch conditions at the Centre of Excellence venue.

India A's chase began disastrously, slumping to 32 for three with early dismissals of openers Sai Sudharsan, Ayush Mhatre, and Devdutt Padikkal, all falling to sharp movement and seam-friendly lines from South Africa A's pacers. Sudharsan, India's designated Test No. 3 in recent trials, managed just a few runs before edging behind, while Mhatre and Padikkal failed to negotiate the new ball under overcast skies. However, Pant's arrival at the crease injected momentum, his fluent cover drives and quick singles stabilising the innings alongside Rajat Patidar, who contributed a steady knock before stumps. At the close, with 156 runs still needed and two full days remaining, India A trail but remain in contention, buoyed by Pant's resilience and the pitch's potential for further deterioration.

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The series, comprising two unofficial tests, serves as a vital preparatory platform for both squads, with India A featuring a blend of fringe senior players and rising stars under Pant's leadership. South Africa A, led by Marques Ackerman, showed promise in their first innings through half-centuries from Zubayr Hamza and the Hermann brothers but faltered in the second against disciplined bowling. As the match heads into its final stages, weather forecasts predict clear conditions, favouring a result, while Pant's performance has reignited discussions on his role in India's senior setup. Fans and selectors alike will watch closely, with the outcome potentially influencing selections for high-stakes encounters in the months ahead.

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