Published: Aug 09, 2015, 04:37 PM (IST)
Edited: Aug 09, 2015, 05:19 PM (IST)
South Africa A on the field literally felt the heat in Chennai, and as Mayank Agarwal and Unmukt Chand got steady and confident against the slower bowlers through the innings, the game became one-sided. Agarwal scored an attacking century, and his opening partner and captain Chand scored 90 before falling to a rank long hop off Dean Elgar when the result of the match was beyond question. The ordeal ended in the 38th over, as India took an eight-wicket victory and gained a bonus point. South Africa A ran out of reserve players to take the field as a number of players left the field due to the steaming conditions. Their video analyst took the field an almost completed a remarkable catch on the long-off boundary, and later, India’s No. 12 Mandeep Singh took the field in the South African jersey, to cove up for Quinton de Kock. LIVE UPDATES: India A vs South Africa A, 3rd match, Tri-Series, Chennai
The eventual run-rate of 6.55 spoke of the dominance of India’s batting, led by Agarwal, who struck 16 fours and a six in his 122-ball 130. But, chasing 245, the Indian innings started shakily. There were three dropped catches in the fifth over, including a seemingly straightforward chance at point that was not taken by de Kock. At the end of that over, thee was only one run with the bat, and a wide, in five overs. But in the next over, Chand and Agarwal both hit boundaries to break the shackles. READ: Mayank Agarwal scores 4th List A ton against South Africa A at Chennai
Chand hit a six and a four in the eighth over off Hardus Viljoen. Thereafter, Agarwal took over with confident cuts, drives and pulls, and settled into a nice rhythm when the spinners started bowling from both ends. Eventually, Eddie Leie was smashed for 74 runs off his 10 overs, and Elgar gave away 69 runs off his eight overs. READ: Quinton de Kock century drives South Africa A to 244 against India A in Chennai
The body language of the South Africans was down, and it was clear the ‘extreme’ weather conditions were difficult for the visitors. Elgar had conceded during the toss that a few of his squad members had visited the hospital. It was a long day for most of the South African participants, and especially de Kock, who batted for 46.2 overs before fielding till the 32nd over. The temperature in Chennai was between 35 degree Celsius to 40 degree Celsius, as is expected.
Brief Scores:
South Africa A 244 in 50 overs (Quinton de Kock 108, Omphile Ramela 26, Dane Vilas 50; Rishi Dhawan 4 for 49) lost to India A 247 for 2 in 37.4 overs (Mayank Agarwal 130*, Unmukt Chand 90; Lonwabo Tsotsobe 1 for 32) by eight wickets
