NEW DELHI: South Africa A pulled off one of the most remarkable chases on Indian soil, overhauling a 417-run target against India A to win the second unofficial Test in Bengaluru by five wickets.

The four-day contest, played at the BCCI Center of Excellence Ground, ended on Day 4 with the visitors completing a memorable run chase to square the two-match series 1-1.

Collective effort powers record chase

Despite none of their batsmen reaching a century, South Africa A’s top order delivered a collective masterclass in patience and precision. Opener Jordan Hermann set the tone with a fluent 91, while Lesego Senokwane anchored the innings with a gritty 77. Zubayr Hamza continued the momentum with an attacking 77 off 88 balls, and skipper Temba Bavuma chipped in with a composed 59 to keep the chase on track.

When Bavuma fell late in the day, wicketkeeper Connor Esterhuizen held firm with an unbeaten 52, steering his team home alongside Tiaan van Vuuren (20 not out). Their partnership sealed an extraordinary win for the Proteas A side, who finished at 417 for 5 in 98 overs.

Indian bowlers toil without breakthroughs

India A’s bowling unit, which had impressed earlier in the series, struggled to make inroads on a placid Day 4 pitch. Prasidh Krishna was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2 for 49, while Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Harsh Dubey managed one wicket apiece.

Spinner Kuldeep Yadav went wicketless despite bowling 17 overs, conceding 81 runs as South Africa A’s batters showed great control against spin.

The inability to sustain pressure or find breakthroughs in the middle overs proved costly for the hosts, as the visitors steadily eroded the target with well-judged partnerships.

Earlier heroics from Dhruv Jurel in vain

India A’s strong position was built on the efforts of Dhruv Jurel, who continued his rich form with scores of 132 not out and 127 in the match. He found support from Harsh Dubey, who contributed 84 in the second innings, and skipper Rishabh Pant, who added a brisk 65. However, the bowlers could not capitalize on the 382-run cushion as South Africa A countered with remarkable resilience.

South Africa A captain Marques Ackerman, who scored a century in the first innings, was named Player of the Match for his all-round contribution.

Focus shifts to senior India-South Africa Test series

With the A series concluding 1-1, the focus now turns to the senior India versus South Africa Test series, beginning 14 November. The contest promises to be a high-stakes battle as both sides prepare to fine-tune their red-ball combinations ahead of the upcoming international calendar.