South Africa A chase 417 to level India series in Bengaluru

South Africa A have levelled their unofficial Test series in India after completing a 417-run chase against India A in Bengaluru, securing a five-wicket victory on the final day and matching the two-match contest at one win each.

The match, held at the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s Centre of Excellence, produced one of the most striking fourth-innings performances seen in domestic first-class cricket in recent years. The visitors reached their target in 98 overs, finishing 417 for five, a total regarded by analysts as among the highest successful run chases ever recorded in India.

India A entered the final day needing quick breakthroughs after declaring their second innings on 382 for seven. South Africa A resumed at 25 without loss, with conditions becoming progressively more favourable for batting as the day progressed.

Openers Jordan Hermann and Lesego Senokwane set the tone with a fluent partnership that blunted the India A seam attack. Both reached half-centuries, taking the score to 139 without loss by lunch. Hermann accelerated after the interval, reaching the 90s with a series of boundaries before being dismissed for 91, offering a return catch to bowler Prasidh Krishna.

Senokwane fell soon after, trapped leg before wicket for 77. But their early work laid the foundation for South Africa A’s pursuit, allowing the middle order to approach the target without pressure.

A stand of 107 between Zubayr Hamza and South Africa Test captain Temba Bavuma further tilted the match in the visitors’ favour. Both reached fifties, working the ball into gaps and punishing loose deliveries, as India A’s bowlers struggled to extract assistance from a slowing surface.

Prasidh Krishna, who finished with two wickets, provided the key breakthroughs for the hosts, dismissing Hermann and later Hamza when the latter chopped a ball onto his stumps. Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep and Kuldeep Yadav, all part of India’s Test squad for the upcoming series against South Africa, were unable to impose sustained pressure. According to local media, the trio bowled a combined 56 overs in the final innings but managed only two wickets between them.

The closing phase of the match belonged to Connor Esterhuizen, whose unbeaten 52 off 52 balls provided the decisive push towards the target. His strokeplay, including eight boundaries and a six, transformed a potentially tense final hour into a controlled finish. Esterhuizen added an unbroken 65 with Tiaan van Vuuren to see South Africa A home shortly before the close of play.

South Africa A’s captain, Marques Ackerman, survived a brief scare when he was caught off a no-ball before eventually falling for 24. But his dismissal came too late for India A, who never regained momentum after the strong opening stand earlier in the day.

India A’s batting had been marked by the form of wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, who scored centuries in both innings and was unbeaten each time. His performances are expected to strengthen his case for selection in India’s senior team. Rishabh Pant, returning from injury, contributed scores of 24 and 65, though he briefly left the field after being struck on the body during the second innings.

Other India A players looking to consolidate positions ahead of the Test series, including KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal, struggled for consistency during the match. All three failed to convert early starts into substantial totals.

Context

The successful chase is one of the largest fourth-innings totals achieved in India since 2016 and highlights the growing competitiveness of A-team tours, which serve as proving grounds for emerging international players. South Africa A’s win also provides momentum for their senior team, who will face India in a two-match Test series later this month.

The result concluded a well-contested series: India A had won the first unofficial Test by three wickets, while the second match showcased South Africa A’s batting depth and ability to withstand pressure conditions away from home.