The match is firmly in the balance, as South Africa added crucial runs towards the end of the innings and regularly tested India’s batters throughout much of the day.

Marco Jansen was key, as he was the only recognized batter remaining. Fortunately, despite 2 wickets falling for 16 runs, Glenton Stuurman came in at #11 and scored a priceless 27.

Not only did that bump up the total, but he provided perfect support for Jansen, who finished unbeaten on 70, as the South Africans were bowled out for a decent 297. Navdeep Saini and Ishan Porel were the picks of the India A bowlers, taking 3 wickets each.

India started their first innings with aplomb, with Prithvi Shaw getting off to his typical quick starts. He and skipper Priyank Panchal added 57 runs, before a double-strike from Stuurman, who’s had an excellent match so far, stunted their progress.

Lutho Sipamla had Shaw nicking one off, and at 69/3, India definitely were in a bit of early trouble. The introduction of left-armer Jansen brought about the fourth wicket, with Baba Aparajith edging one to the keeper, Sinethemba Qeshile.

Much to India’s relief, Ishan Kishan and Hanuma Vihari began the recovery process well. Vihari took a back seat, while Kishan often found the boundary.

Jansen once again got the much-needed breakthrough with the dismissal of Kishan, but Sarfaraz Khan calmly batted through the remainder of the day. Khan and Vihari are on the doorstep of a 50 partnership, potentially the second of this innings.

SA A 297 (Jansen 70* – Porel 3/49, Saini 3/67)
Ind A 198/5 (Ishan Kishan 49, Vihari 45* – Jansen 2/20, Stuurman 2/46)