IND-A vs SA-A 2025: Rishabh Pant, lower order star in India A's three-wicket win in Bengaluru

India A registered a thrilling three-wicket win in the first unofficial Test against South Africa A on Day 4 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1 on Sunday, November 2.

Rishabh Pant, in his comeback match from a toe fracture sustained during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy earlier this year, won the toss and opted to field first earlier this week. Half-centuries from Jordan Hermann, Zubayr Hamza, and Rubin Hermann helped South Africa A post 309 in 91.2 overs. Mumbai off-spinner Tanush Kotian was the pick of the bowlers for the home side, as he bagged a four-for.

In reply, India A didn't have a great outing with the bat. Despite a 90-run opening stand between Sai Sudharsan and Ayush Mhatre, India A were bowled out for 234. Mhatre top-scored with a fluent 76-ball 65.

India were behind the eight-ball after conceding a 75-run first-innings lead. However, they bowled with a lot of heart in South Africa's second innings. While Lesego Senokwane and Hamza made handy contributions, South Africa A were blown away for 199. Kotian accounted for four scalps once again.

India needed to chase down a 275-run target in the fourth innings. At the end of Day 3, they raced to 119/4 in 39 overs, with Pant remaining unbeaten on 64 off 81 balls. Ayush Badoni, on the other hand, faced six balls and was yet to get off the mark.

This set things up nicely for some intriguing action on Day 4. Pant took the attack to the South African bowlers and added 26 runs to his overnight score  in just 32 balls. The India A skipper was eventually dismissed by Tiaan van Vuuren as he holed out while looking to go for a big shot. Pant smashed 90 off 113 deliveries, hitting 11 fours and four sixes.

Badoni (34) and Kotian (23) got starts but failed to take India A home. When the seventh wicket fell for India, they neded another 60 runs to win. Manav Suthar and Anshul Kamboj mixed caution with aggression to help the home side register a three-wicket win, adding an unbeaten 62-run partnership off 86 balls. Kamboj turned out to be the second-highest scorer for the hosts as he smashed 37 not out off 46 deliveires.

South Africa A went 1-0 up in the series with this win. They will now face a more experienced India A side in the second unofficial Test in Benglauru from Thursday, November 6 onwards.