Pant's 90 sets it up, Kamboj & Suthar finish the job for India A

Pant's 90 sets it up, Kamboj & Suthar finish the job for India A

India A vs South Africa A: Rishab Pant, Anshul Kamboj and Manav Suthar helped India A beat South Africa A by three wickets in the first unofficial Test.

India A pulled off a thrilling three-wicket win over South Africa A in Bengaluru, thanks to a calm and unbeaten 62-run partnership between Anshul Kamboj and Manav Suthar. Chasing 275, India A were in trouble early on Day 4 after losing three quick wickets to short-pitched bowling. But Suthar held firm, blocking and absorbing pressure, while Kamboj took advantage of tired bowling later in the day to guide the team home.

Rishabh Pant had set the tone earlier with a blazing 90 off 113 balls. He started the day with a six and kept attacking the fast bowlers, hitting 11 fours and four sixes. His aggressive batting forced South Africa A to change their plans, but he eventually fell to a short ball that looped to slip. Ayush Badoni played some stylish flicks but was also dismissed trying to hook a bouncer, just like Tanush Kotian.

At 215 for 7, South Africa A sensed victory. But Suthar stayed patient, ducking bouncers and taking hits to keep India A in the game. Kamboj, who was hit on the helmet, responded by hitting a six and playing smart shots to bring the target closer. A lucky edge and a powerful slog helped reduce the gap, and Suthar finished the chase by lofting a shot over mid-on.

Kamboj ended unbeaten on 37 and had earlier taken 3 for 39 in the second innings. Suthar showed his all-round skills with four wickets and a gritty batting display. The standout bowler was Kotian, who took four wickets in both innings, showing great control and skill.

Other contributions included a half-century from Ayush Mhatre and some time at the crease for B Sai Sudharsan, though he was dismissed cheaply in both innings. Devdutt Padikkal missed out, while Karun Nair, whom he replaced in the Test squad, continued to score runs in domestic cricket.