India 'A' secured a thrilling three-wicket win over South Africa 'A' at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on November 2, 2020. The hosts were in a precarious position, needing 156 runs to win with only six wickets remaining. Anshul Kamboj and Manav Suthar formed an unbroken partnership of 62 runs, guiding India 'A' to victory. The match was a nail-biter, with the hosts conceding a substantial 75-run lead after the first innings.
Rishabh Pant, the captain and a key player, scored a solid 90 runs. He started the final day on 64 and swiftly accumulated 14 more runs in the first over. Okhule Cele's second ball was lofted over extra cover for a six, followed by beautifully guided fours through the offside. Ayush Badoni also contributed with two delectable boundaries, one of which earned Pant's applause.
However, the visitors presented Pant with a second reprieve when Senokwane put him down at short fine in Prenelan Subrayen's first over. This costly miss allowed South Africa 'A' to gain just 10 more runs, as Tiaan van Vuuren caught Pant with a short-of-length delivery, resulting in a sharp catch in the slips. Doubling the visitors' delight, van Vuuren also dismissed Badoni with a short ball, whose attempts at a pull found deep square leg. South Africa continued their short-ball strategy, adding the wicket of Tanush Kotian as India 'A' slumped to 215 for 7, still 60 runs short of the target.
At this crucial juncture, Kamboj and Suthar stepped up. Suthar blocked from one end, while Kamboj took on the attack against the short ball, despite the occasional body blows. There were close calls, with a top-edge rolling away for four and another falling between fielders. Kamboj was more assured against spin, slogging Subrayen to reduce the target to 11 runs. Suthar's unbeaten 20 runs at the other end, coupled with Kamboj's 37*, ensured India 'A' crossed the finish line.
The final scores were South Africa A 309 & 199, India A 234 & 277/7 (Rishabh Pant 90, Anshul Kamboj 37*; Tiaan van Vuuren 3-56), with India 'A' winning by three wickets.
