India A have taken the upper hand after Day 2 of the pulsating 3rd and final unofficial Test match against South Africa A.

In another day that ebbed and flowed, it was the ideal start for the Indians, as Deepak Chahar claimed the final 3 wickets for only 25 runs.

The home team were bundled out for 268, which was seemingly below par for a first-innings total. However, that would soon change when the South African bowlers quickly took advantage of the conditions on offer.

The seamers were off to a red-hot start, dismantling a very talented Indian top order. After being reduced to 55/3, it was time to rebuild.

The in-form captain, Hanuma Vihari, produced yet another very patient knock to lead the rearguard.

A 115-run partnership with Ishan Kishan gradually shifted the advantage to the visitors. Vihari took the back seat, while Kishan played his natural aggressive game to keep the bowlers subdued.

Vihari’s wicket was crucial, as it brought the game back in the balance, and the day ended with another strike from Lutho Sipamla, when Deepak Chahar edged to first slip.

Sipamla took three wickets today, in a reasonably strong bowling display from the South African unit.

It’s been neck and neck all game, and with India not having a whole lot of batting left, will SA be able to narrow down the advantage? Or will Ishan Kishan continue his bruising knock to put India in pole position?

SA A 268
Ind A 229/6 (Kishan 86*, Vihari 63 – Sipamla 3/63)