Pant’s Return & Kotian’s 4-Wicket Haul Stun SA ‘A’
In a thrilling display of resilience and skill on a green-top in Bengaluru, India ‘A’ staged a dramatic fightback on Day 1 of their first unofficial Test against South Africa ‘A’. The day belonged to a chirpy Rishabh Pant, making a sharp return to wicketkeeping duties, and the emerging spin sensation, Tanush Kotian, whose four-wicket haul turned the tide decisively in India’s favor .
A Strong Start for the Visitors
Winning the toss and electing to bat first on a pitch with some grass, South Africa ‘A’ got off to a formidable start. The opening partnership between Jordan Hermann and Zubayr Hamza was the cornerstone of their innings, putting on a solid century stand that threatened to take the game away from the hosts .
Jordan Hermann played a composed knock of 71, anchoring the innings with confidence, while the experienced Zubayr Hamza contributed a valuable 66. Their efforts, along with useful cameos from Rubin Hermann (54) and Tiaan van Vuuren (46), had South Africa ‘A’ looking at a massive first-innings total .
Kotian’s Masterclass Triggers Collapse
Just when the visitors seemed in complete control, the Indian spinners, led by the young Tanush Kotian, orchestrated a stunning collapse. Kotian, showing remarkable control and guile, ripped through the middle and lower order to finish with impressive figures of 4 for 83 .
His spell was the turning point of the day, transforming a position of strength for South Africa ‘A’ into one of vulnerability. The visitors lost their last five wickets for a mere 50 runs, a testament to the pressure applied by the Indian bowling unit .
Rishabh Pant’s Commanding Presence
Beyond the bowling figures, the most heartening sight for Indian fans was the return of Rishabh Pant behind the stumps. Leading the side, Pant looked sharp, agile, and completely free of any issues from his past injuries. His vocal presence and quick gloves were a constant source of energy for his team, reminding everyone of his irreplaceable role in the national setup .
Day 1 Scorecard Snapshot
| South Africa ‘A’ Batting | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Jordan Hermann | 71 | – |
| Zubayr Hamza | 66 | – |
| Rubin Hermann | 54 | – |
| Tiaan van Vuuren | 46 | – |
| India ‘A’ Bowling | Overs | Wickets | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tanush Kotian | – | 4 | 83 |
Final Score at Stumps: South Africa ‘A’ 299/9 (85.2 overs) .
What This Means for the Series
This performance is a significant statement from the Indian ‘A’ camp, especially with an eye on the upcoming senior Test series. Kotian’s ability to exploit a green pitch with spin is a huge positive, while Pant’s successful return is a massive boost for the entire Indian cricket ecosystem .