Pretorius, Moonsamy tons guide South Africa A to a winning finish

Pretorius, Moonsamy tons guide South Africa A to a winning finish

India A vs South Africa A Highlights, 3rd Unofficial ODI: 241 runs opening partnership between South Africa A openers helps South Africa-A to avoid a clean sweep. India-A clinch the series 2-1.

Centuries by Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Rivaldo Moonsamy, who added 242 runs for the first wicket, helped South Africa A win the final one-dayer against India A in Rajkot. Even though they were already down 0-2 in the series, the visitors made a strong total of 325 and later secured a 73-run victory, with Nqabayomzi Peter taking four wickets.

Tilak Varma chose to bowl first, but the decision didn’t work well. Pretorius and Moonsamy stayed at the crease for most of the innings, putting up a long, steady partnership. Pretorius played aggressively, scoring 123 off 98 balls with nine fours and six sixes. Moonsamy made a calmer 107 at a strike rate just above 80.

India A finally broke through when Prasidh Krishna dismissed both openers in one over. Harshit Rana was the best bowler for India A, taking 2 for 48, and Delano Potgieter hit a quick 30 off 15 balls to take South Africa A past 320. India tried eight different bowlers, but Khaleel Ahmed had a tough day despite picking up two wickets while giving away 82 runs.

India A started their chase well with 31 runs in four overs, but Abhishek Sharma fell to Tshepo Moreki. Soon after, Ruturaj Gaikwad, the Player of the Series, and Tilak Varma were also dismissed. Riyan Parag’s wicket left India struggling at 82 for 4.

Ishan Kishan and Ayush Badoni brought some hope with an 88-run partnership, the best of the innings. Kishan hit two sixes in his 53 (off 67 balls) and Badoni made 66 from 66 balls. But after Kishan got out, India collapsed quickly. Three wickets fell at the score of 201, with Peter adding to his tally. Even though Manav Suthar and Prasidh Krishna fought till the end with 23 each, India A fell well short of the target.

Brief Scores:
South Africa A: 325/6
India A: 252/10

South Africa A beat India A by 73 runs

Player of the match: Lhuan-dre Pretorius
Player of the series: Ruturaj Gaikwad