Bangalore: Pacer Mohammed Siraj (4/18) produced another fiery spell, pushing India A towards a big win against South Africa A on day three of the first unofficial Test here, Monday.
The visitors were placed at 99 for four, still 239 runs behind India’s first innings total, in their second essay when umpires called off the day due to bad light. Zubayr Hamza (46 batting, 99b, 8×4) and Rudi Second (four batting) were at the crease.
Earlier, India A declared their first innings at 584 for eight, following half centuries from Hanuma Vihari (54, 108b, 3×4) and Srikar Bharat (64, 77b, 5×4, 4×6). Axar Patel (33 n o, 38b, 1×4, 1×6) also contributed to team’s cause with some valuable runs batting down the order.
In the first session, Mayank Agarwal disappointed the fans as he fell without adding a single run to his overnight 220. Beuran Hendricks (3/98) was the most successful bowler for the visitors.
Trailing by 338 runs, South Africa-A lost three wickets inside nine overs in their second essay and were reduced to six for three. However, Hamza and Senuran Muthusamy (41, 97b, 7×4) resurrected their innings with a valuable 86 runs for the fourth wicket before Siraj came back to hurt the Proteas.
Brief scores: South Africa A 246 & 99/4 (Zubayr Hamza 46 batting; Mohammed Siraj 4/18); India A 584/8 decl (Srikar Bharat 64, Hanuma Vihari 54; Beuran Hendricks 3/98). Match to continue.