Historic Chase: South Africa A Defeats India A

Post by : Mara Rahim

In a remarkable display at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, South Africa A achieved a historic chase of 417 runs, triumphing over India A by five wickets despite adverse light toward the end. This monumental victory marks the highest fourth-innings chase in India since 2016, ranking sixth overall in the country’s history.

Connor Esterhuizen shone with an unbeaten 52 runs, playing aggressively against Indian spin and striking eight fours and a six. His swift innings helped steer South Africa A smoothly to victory, highlighted by a 65-run partnership with Tiaan van Vuuren off just 52 deliveries, securing the win before darkness set in.

The chase commenced with a solid opening duo of Lesego Senokwane and Jordan Hermann, who put together 156 runs without losing a wicket, dominating the Indian attack throughout the morning. They faced the pace trio of Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep with confidence, exerting early pressure on the Indian bowlers.

Kuldeep Yadav, India A's main spinner, faltered on a pitch that offered little turn, making it challenging for the hosts to maintain control over the scoring. Both openers adeptly played his deliveries, allowing them to build a robust foundation for the chase.

Jordan Hermann excelled early on, striking four exquisite boundaries off Akash Deep and reaching his half-century in 73 balls, dominating the flow of play. On the other hand, Senokwane navigated the pacers with caution and attacked the slower deliveries, executing powerful shots.

Prasidh Krishna managed to break the partnership when he caught Hermann off a full toss for 91 runs. Following suit, Siraj’s intense spell created tension for Senokwane, who was ultimately dismissed for 77 runs by Dubey.

Following the dismissals of the openers, Temba Bavuma and Zubayr Hamza established a vital 107-run stance for the third wicket, blending experience and aggression into the chase. Bavuma, coming off a duck in the first innings, played carefully while Hamza was more assertive from the outset.

Compounding their challenges, India A lost Mohammed Siraj to injury during fielding, and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant was rested for a brief period, allowing Jurel to step in. The management later clarified this to manage Pant’s workload.

Hamza eventually fell to an inside edge, followed by Bavuma, as India A sensed a potential turnaround with Ackerman's dismissal, which was later deemed no-ball. However, it was Esterhuizen who took charge, expertly navigating the chase against Kuldeep and Dubey, guiding South Africa A to a historic victory.

The success of South Africa A was characterized not just by aggressive play but also by strategy and resilience. Their achievement in chasing down 417 runs stands as a momentous feat on Indian soil. Esterhuizen's composed finish underlined his prowess against spin, marking an iconic moment for South Africa A in Bengaluru.