Press Trust of India
Wayanad (Kerala), August 26: Seasoned opener Abhinav Mukund (72, 136b, 13×4) and skipper Ambati Rayudu (71, 81b, 8×4, 3×6) struck half-centuries as India A gained a slight edge, reaching 342 for six against South Africa A, thereby taking a 82-run lead at stumps on the second day of the second and final unofficial Test at the Krishnagiri Stadium here Wednesday.
Mukund’s fellow opener Jiwanjot Singh also chipped in with a handy 52 (92b, 7×4) at the start of the innings.
Young wicketkeeper-batsman Ankush was unbeaten on 34 at the end of the day’s play. Giving him company at the other end was Axar Patel (16 batting).
For South Africa, off-spinner Dane Piedt (4/154) picked up crucial wickets but was mighty expensive.
India began their innings on a cautious note but Mukund and Jiwanjot added 96 runs for the first wicket.
It was left-arm seamer Lonwabo Tsotsobe, who angled one across to Jiwanjot, who nicked it to Dane Vilas behind the stumps.
Mukund was then joined by Baba Aparajith (34) and the duo added 72 for the second wicket. The Tamil Nadu batsman should have got his century but a straighter one from Piedt caught the left-hander plumb in-front.
In his very next over, Piedt also got rid of Aparajith, who provided a catch for Omphile Ramela.
Rayudu and Sheldon Jackson (25) then added 55 runs for the fourth wicket before Piedt got his third wicket, cleaning up Jackson.
However, Rayudu started taking on Piedt at the other end with Vijay Shankar (21) for company. Tsotsobe got his second wicket as Shankar edged one to Vilas.
Rayudu along with Bains added 56 runs in 14.3 overs before Piedt finally got rewards for flighting his deliveries with Temba Bavuma holding onto Rayudu’s catch.
Brief Scores
South Africa A 260; India A 342 for 6 (Abhinav Mukund 72, Ambati Rayudu 71; Dane Piedt 4/154). Match to continue.
