Published: Aug 08, 2017, 08:50 PM (IST)
Edited: Aug 08, 2017, 11:12 PM (IST)
In the final of Tri-Nation series, India A thrashed South Africa A by 7 wickets to emerge as the winners. Riding on Shreyas Iyer‘s unbeaten century and valuable support from Vijay Shankar and Manish Pandey, India finished proceedings in 46.3 overs. As a result, India are winners of the tri-nation series, also involving Afghanistan A. Earlier, Farhaan Behardien‘s hundred ensured a healthy total for South Africa, but the home team were blown away by Iyer’s calculative ton and Shankar’s fifty.
Opting to bowl, India were off to a good start. South Africa lost both their openers within 8 overs with only 29 runs on board. Henry Davids was looking good but threw his scalp on 20. Hosts were reduced to 32 for 3 as India’s pace duo, Shardul Thakur and Siddharth Kaul, struck early. The repair work was initiated by Khaya Zondo and Behardien. The pair added 80 runs for the fourth wicket by buying time in the middle. Zondo finally perished to Akshar Patel who maintained tight lines and tested the opposition.
Behardien carried on from his end. South Africa were again reeling at 115 for 5, but Dwaine Pretorius supported the right-hander. Pretorius was in ominous touch and led the counter-attack. He was involved in a 101-run stand with Behardien and led the dominance. Pretorius made a valiant 61-ball 58 (5 fours and 2 sixes). He ensured a solid platform with some blistering strokes during his stay. Aaron Phangiso and Dane Paterson accompanied Behardien as the latter remained unbeaten on 101. South Africa managed 267 for 7 in 50 overs.
In reply, India were scratchy at start. They lost Karun Nair and Sanju Samson early. At 20 for 2, they needed a partnership which Iyer and Shankar provided. The duo showed maturity and played as per the need of the hour. As a result, a 141-run stand rescued the Indian camp and put placed them on top. Both the batsmen were calculative, but Shankar fell for 72.
Iyer continued and slammed a ton. He got support from skipper Pandey. The two timed their partnership and wanted to stay till the end. Iyer paced his innings after reaching three-figures and Pandey worked hard for his 38-ball 32. With four back-t0-back boundaries off Pretorius’ 46th over, India were a hit away from victory and achieved it in the following over.
Brief scores:
South Africa A 267 for 7 in 50 overs (Khaya Zondo 39, Farhaan Beherdien 101*, Dwaine Pretorius 58; Shardul Thakur 3 for 52, Siddharth Kaul 2 for 55) lost to India A 270 for 3 in 46.3 overs (Shreyas Iyer 140*, Vijay Shankar 72, Manish Pandey 32*; Junior Dalan 2 for 49) by 7 wickets.
