South Africa A have made priceless progress, in yet another turnaround of events thanks to half-centuries from Sarel Erwee and Zubayr Hamza, and crucial wickets from Lutho Sipamla.

It all began with India on course to potentially push ahead with a handy lead, but seamers Marco Jansen and Lutho Sipamla snagged the next 3 wickets for just 14 runs.

A brief cameo from Navdeep Saini, 27(22) with 5 fours and a six, ensured that the Indians made it over the line. His dismissal set up a very marginal 8-run lead, with the match practically at even stevens.

Lutho Sipamla took a masterful 5-wicket haul, his 5th in all first-class cricket. While he didn’t make the official Test squad, he’s definitely thrown his hat in the ring for more opportunities in the near future.

This was the hosts’ chance to surge after a strong comeback with the ball. Openers Sarel Erwee and Pieter Malan got right to work, but Saini struck early to send the skipper back. Fortunately, a confident Erwee found strong support in Zubayr Hamza, who strung together his first half-century of this series.

Both batters looked very much in their groove, and the current 2nd-wicket stand is unbroken at 153 runs. It’s definitely a clear advantage, but it still could be anyone’s game.

The first session of the next day’s play could potentially be the fate-determining session of the game. And anything could happen – SA can make it through unscathed, and knowing the quality of the visitors’ bowling unit,

India can pick up quick wickets to bring the match right back in the balance.

SA A 268 + 196/1 (Erwee 87, Hamza 78)
Ind A 276 (Kishan 91 – Sipamla 5/99, Jansen 3/48)