Another day of twists and turns has set up an intriguing finish for the 2nd unofficial Test between SA A and India A.

India looked to be on course to potentially cross South Africa’s first-innings total, but Hanuma Vihari edged to the keeper during the first session.

Sarfaraz Khan remained positive and added 41 runs with Saurabh Kumar, but the hosts took the final 4 wickets for 21 runs, setting up a 21-run advantage.

Glenton Stuurman overcame a nervous start and ended up the star of the show with 4 wickets, including the final two wickets. He’s long been tipped as a potential pace spearhead for the Test team, and he’s done his chances plenty of good so far.

South Africa started their second innings confidently, with Pieter Malan and Sarel Erwee stitching together yet another solid opening stand. They cobbled together 69 runs between them, until the left arm spinner Saurabh Kumar provided the invaluable breakthrough.

Just when the situation was looking comfortable for SA, the Indian bowlers were able to capitalize on the early wicket and inflict a middle-order collapse. Zubayr Hamza and Sinethemba Qeshile were both dismissed without scoring, and Raynard van Tonder’s handy start was cut short at 33. Ishan Porel’s double strike towards the end of the day tilted the balance back towards the Indians.

The first couple of sessions tomorrow will be critical. The game could swing either way. Will South Africa be able to set up a 4th-innings target of 250 or better, or will the Indian bowlers prevail?

SA A 297 + 116/5 (Erwee 41 – Porel 2/17)
Ind A 276 (S Khan 71 – Stuurman 4/48, Jansen 3/44)