Eman 
ZeeaK 
India A’s bowlers delivered a dominant and cohesive performance, dismantling the visiting South Africa A squad to set up a massive nine-wicket victory in the second unofficial One-Day International. The comprehensive win seals the three-match series for the hosts with one game still remaining.
South Africa A Collapse Under Relentless Attack
The tourists showed early promise with their opening pair finding form, but their middle order suffered a brutal collapse from which they could not recover.
- Promising Start: Openers Rivaldo Moonsamy (33) and Lhuan-dre Pretorius (21) established a decent foundation, putting on 39 runs for the first wicket.
- Mid-Innings Meltdown: The momentum shifted abruptly as South Africa A slumped dramatically from 59/1 to 73/5. This collapse was engineered by the relentless pressure from India’s bowling unit.
- Spin and Seam Success: All-rounder Nishant Sindhu was particularly effective, striking twice early on and later cleaning up the tail to finish with an outstanding haul of 4 wickets for just 16 runs. Pace bowler Harshit Rana was equally damaging, breaking the opening partnership before removing key players Jordan Hermann and MJ Ackerman, ending with impressive figures of 3 wickets for 21 runs.
- No Repeat Rescue: Unlike the first ODI, where they were bailed out by the lower order, this time there were no saviours. Though Dian Forrester and Delano Potgieter got starts, they couldn’t convert, and Prasidh Krishna joined the wicket tally, ensuring the visitors were bundled out for a meagre 132 runs inside 31 overs.
India A’s Batting Cruise
Chasing a modest target of 133, India A made short work of the pursuit, with opener Ruturaj Gaikwad starring once again.
- Flying Start: Opener Abhishek Sharma seized the initiative, smashing a quickfire 32 off just 22 balls, providing the initial acceleration.
- Gaikwad Anchors the Win: Though the visitors managed to dismiss Sharma, the damage was minimal. Ruturaj Gaikwad, fresh off his century in the previous game, took control. He smoothly guided the innings, reaching an unbeaten half-century (68)*.
- Comfortable Finish: Captain Tilak Varma joined Gaikwad, hitting a patient, unbeaten 29 off 62 balls, ensuring no further hiccups. India A reached the target with ease, winning by nine wickets and sealing the series with over 22 overs remaining.
Brief Scores:
South Africa A 132 (Rivaldo Moonsamy 33; Nishant Sindhu 4/16, Harshit Rana 3/21) lost to India A 135/1 (Ruturaj Gaikwad 68*, Abhishek Sharma 32) by 9 wickets.
Image credits : cric buzz
About the Author
