After an intense four-day cricket showdown, the duel between India A and South Africa A at the Senwes Park in Potchefstroom reached an impasse. It was a contest that showcased the grit and prowess of numerous players, with significant contributions made with the willow on both sides.
Day three concluded with India A gaining the upper hand as they went to stumps with a lead. However, on day four, the visiting team could only add a fraction to their significant total, with Shardul Thakur increasing his individual score by 6, finishing at an unbeaten 70. India’s tail didn’t wag for long – they were swiftly dismantled from 388-6 to 417 all-out by the formidable South African bowling attack, setting a lead of 98 runs.
To push for a victory, it was imperative for India A to claim some early South African wickets. The morning started promisingly for the visitors as Cameron Shekleton edged Tushar Deshpande to Srikar Bharat in the pavilion, following which Rubin Herman was dismissed, stumped by wicketkeeper Bharat off Saurabh Kumar’s bowling.
Yet, what ensued was a masterclass in resistance. For the next 30.2 overs, spanning 182 balls, the Indian bowlers toiled without success. Yaseen Valli and Jean du Plessis demonstrated a fortress-like defense, scoring fifties each, and compiled a 104-run partnership for the third wicket. Their efforts effectively forced the game towards an inevitable draw, leaving South Africa A ahead by 54 runs in their second innings.
In the first innings earlier during the match, Rubin Herman’s near-century and du Plesiss’s century were the pillars of South Africa’s 319 run innings. Their promising total, however, faced a sudden halt due to Prasidh Krishna’s demolition of the lower order handing him a five-wicket haul, as the host team capsized from a healthy 309-5 to 319 all-out.
In response, India A had its shaky moments, losing Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal early, before Sarfaraz Khan (68) and Pradosh Paul formed a crucial 130-run alliance for the third wicket. Pradosh, displaying precision and patience, notched up a standout 163 as he was involved in not one but two century partnerships. His second significant stand came with Thakur, where they combined for a 152-run stand, guaranteeing India A a practical lead into the final day.
Despite the herculean efforts by the Indian contingent, the resilience shown by the South African batsmen ensured the fixture concluded without a decisive winner.
Brief Scores at the end indicated a drawn match with South Africa A scoring 319 all-out and 152-2 (Valli 72*, Deshpande 1-24) against India A’s 417 all-out (Pradosh Paul 163, Evan Jones 4-100).
Days two and three bore witness to Prasidh Krishna and Pradosh Paul dominating the proceedings in Potchefstroom. Prasidh’s five-for was instrumental in bowling out South Africa A for 319, and then Pradosh took center stage with the bat, scoring a monumental 209-ball 163. Focusing on day three, India A concluded at a comfortable 377/6, taking a 58-run lead. Despite a brief moment where India A appeared vulnerable at 71/2, partnerships stabilized their innings, placing them in front of the game before close of play.
The series began with an even battle as players from both camps shone on Day 2 in Bloemfontein. Saurabh Kumar and du Plessis were the protagonists as South Africa A built a solid foundation of 298/5 despite an early strike by Vidhwath Kaverappa for India A.
The red-ball contest provided a comprehensive display of talent and tenacity, reminding spectators of the unpredictable and thrilling nature of long-format cricket. Despite the absence of a victor, each individual performance contributed to a captivating narrative that enlivened the days of play in South Africa.