Post by : Maya Rahman

In a historic performance, South Africa A successfully chased down an enormous target of 417 runs against India A at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Winning by five wickets with fading light threatening to halt play, this chase marks the highest successful fourth-innings run chase in India since 2016 and ranks sixth overall in the country.

Connor Esterhuizen anchored the innings with an unbeaten score of 52, confidently facing the Indian spinners and accumulating eight boundaries along with a six. His rapid scoring propelled South Africa A to victory, collaborating for an unbroken sixth-wicket partnership of 65 runs off just 52 balls with Tiaan van Vuuren.

The chase initiated with a strong opening duo, Lesego Senokwane and Jordan Hermann, who added an impressive 156 runs without losing a wicket before lunch. They aggressively tackled India A’s pace bowlers, including Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep, putting pressure on the hosts right away.

However, Kuldeep Yadav struggled on a pitch offering little spin. The Indian spinner's lack of rhythm allowed both openers to handle him comfortably. When he bowled full-length deliveries, they deftly drove him; short balls were countered effectively from the back foot, given the unhelpful pitch.

Jordan Hermann showcased impressive form, striking four crisp boundaries against Akash Deep, and secured his half-century with 73 balls. Meanwhile, a few edged attempts went begging, compounding the frustration of India A’s bowlers.

Lesego Senokwane also achieved his half-century off 113 balls, balancing caution against pacers with aggression towards left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey. Hermann’s paddle sweep and Senokwane’s slog sweep displayed their dominance over Dubey’s quicker deliveries. Hermann benefited from a fortunate moment when a bouncer off his glove evaded wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant.

Prasidh Krishna eventually broke the partnership, having Hermann dismissed for 91 with a full toss. Mohammed Siraj then intensified the pressure, provoking verbal exchanges with Senokwane before trapping him leg before wicket for 77.

Following the fall of both openers, Temba Bavuma and Zubayr Hamza contributed a vital 107-run partnership for the third wicket, leveraging their Test squad experience. Bavuma played conservatively, while Hamza asserted aggressiveness from ball one.

Concerns for India A escalated with Siraj sustaining an injury while fielding, forcing him off the field for treatment. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant sat out for two sessions, managed by the team to avoid fatigue.

Hamza fell to Prasidh Krishna’s inside edge, followed swiftly by Bavuma. India A sensed a window of opportunity when Marques Ackerman was caught off Siraj; however, a no-ball call negated the dismissal. Ackerman finally went for 24, leading to Esterhuizen’s entrance, who seized control against Kuldeep and Dubey in the dimming light, guiding South Africa A to a renowned victory.

This win for South Africa A was achieved not only through power hitting but also through strategic patience. Their stunning 417-run chase will stand out as a landmark achievement in Indian cricket. Esterhuizen's composed finish under pressure highlighted his finesse against spin, marking a special moment for the team in Bengaluru.

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