India A vs South Africa A: 1st Unofficial Test, Day 2, Review: Mayank's double keeps hosts in command

Mayank Agarwal and Prithvi Shaw pummelled the visitors on the second day of the ongoing first unofficial four-day game between India A and South Africa A in Bengaluru. The openers had a field day in the middle as the opposition had no idea of the proceedings in the middle. It was a thoroughly dominating day for the home side as they are in complete control of the game now.

South Africa A began the day with an overnight score of 246/8. But their innings didn’t last beyond three deliveries. Mohammed Siraj scalped Beuran Hendricks and Duanne Olivier to skittle them on the same score. He also picked up a five-wicket haul and returned with the figures of 5/56.

The onus was on the batsmen to continue the good work and they would’ve hoped to get close to the opposition’s total by the end of the day’s play. But the dynamic duo of Agarwal and Shaw attacked from the word go. The bowlers had no answer to their assault and they could only hope that the batsmen make some mistake and give their wicket.

The fun continued for most parts of the second session and both the players smashed their respective tons as well in the process. There was no stopping even as the spinners came into the attack. They took a special liking to Malusi Siboto as he conceded runs at more than 6 runs per over.

Mayank continues to have fun

The opening duo added 277 runs for the opening wicket and just when things getting awry for the visitors, Shaw missed one delivery from Dane Piedt and was castled. There was some joy for them finally. The youngster scored 136 runs off just 196 balls with 20 fours and a solitary six. Ravikumar Samarth then joined Agarwal as they stitched a stand of 118 runs for the second wicket.

Meanwhile, Agarwal continued his prolific form from the last season and smashed another double century. He lost Samarth on 37 just a few minutes before stumps as Olivier took his wicket with the second new ball. The skipper Shreyas Iyer then came out and made sure that there were no more hiccups.

By stumps, India A had reached 411 runs for the loss of two wickets only in 87 overs. While Agarwal was looking solid as ever on 220 (off 250 balls), his partner Iyer remained unbeaten on 9. They have already taken a lead of 165 runs and would now love to extend it tomorrow before declaring later in the day.

Brief Score

South Africa A 246 after 88.3 overs (R Second 94; M Siraj 5/56)

India A 411/2 after 87 overs (M Agarwal 220*, P Shaw 136; D Piedt 1/56)

State of the match: India A lead by 165 runs

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