IND A vs SA A: India A put on a clinical performance as their bowlers rattled South Africa A, securing a nine-wicket victory in the second one-day match of the IND A vs SA A series. The South African batters were out for a modest 132 in a mere 30.3 overs to set up another confident chase by the hosts.
Promising Start Fizzles Out for South Africa A
Despite a better beginning than in the first game, South Africa A slipped up in converting that early impetus. New entrant Lhuan-dre Pretorius hit three fours in his 21, while Rivaldo Moonsamy scored a breezy 33 as the two put on 39 for the first wicket.
However, once separated at 59/1, the innings unravelled dramatically. Harshit Rana and Nishant Sindhu triggered a collapse that reduced the visitors to 73/5. While Rana removed Jordan Hermann and MJ Ackerman cheaply, Sindhu struck twice to push South Africa A into deeper trouble.
No Rescue Act This Time for South Africa A
In the opening One Day International, Forrester, Potgieter and Fortuin had restored South Africa A from a similar situation. However, that revival was not going to happen in this IND A vs SA A contest. Forrester and Potgieter had a start, but were unable to capitalize on it. Prasidh Krishna opened his wicket column, whilst Sindhu ended the innings with two more wickets to record an impressive four-wicket haul.
India A’s Chase: Smooth, Swift, and Stylish
India A started their chase of 133 runs in an aggressive style. That aggressiveness was endorsed by Abhishek Sharma who scored a brisk 32 runs off 22 balls with six fours before being out. The anchor of the chase was Ruturaj Gaikwad, who just completed a century in the first ODI.
The unbeaten 68 by Gaikwad and the steady 29* by Tilak Varma from 62 balls ensured India A crossed the finish line in just 27.5 overs, winning by nine wickets to seal the series with one match remaining.
Match Summary
South Africa A: 132 in 30.3 overs
– Rivaldo Moonsamy 33
– Nishant Sindhu 4/16, Harshit Rana 3/21
India A: 135/1 in 27.5 overs – Ruturaj Gaikwad 68*, Abhishek Sharma 32 Result: India A won by 9 wickets
