Published: Aug 31, 2019, 03:54 PM (IST)
Edited: Aug 31, 2019, 03:50 PM (IST)
George Linde scored a blistering half-century to guide South Africa A to 162/5 in the second unofficial ODI against India A in a rain-curtailed contest on Saturday in Thiruvananthapuram.
After a lengthy rain-delay, the match was reduced to 21 overs-per-side and India A captain Manish Pandey opted to bowl first at the Greenfield International Stadium. The tourists recovered after losing their openers cheaply thanks to Linde’s unbeaten 25-ball 52 and their middle order’s solid show led by captain Temba Bavuma‘s 33-ball 40.
Opener Janneman Malan was run-out by Deepak Chahar in the third over before Khaleel Ahmed (1/38) struck to remove Reeza Hendricks in the following over leaving South Africa A 15/2 in 3.5 overs. Bavuma and Khaya Zondo got together to repair the damage and stabilised the wobbling innings. They added 48 runs for the third wicket before left-arm spinner Axar Patel struck to remove Zondo on 24.
Legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal (1/22) then had Bavuma hole out soon as South Africa A slipped again. Bavuma struck six fours during his stay. However, Heinrich Klaasen and Linde counterattacked to seize the momentum back. Klaasen struck three sixes in his 27-ball 31 during a 52-run stand with Linde for the fifth wicket.
Linde went on to complete his half-century, hitting one four and five sixes ensuring a competitive total as South Africa A clobbered 63 runs in the final five overs.
India A are leading the five-match series 1-0 following their 69-run win in the series opener on Thursday. All matches will be played at the same venue.
Brief Scores: South Africa A 162/5 (George Linde 52*, Temba Bavuma 40; Axar Patel 1/19) vs India A
