Rishabh Pant returned from injury but did not make a significant impact on Day 2 of the IND-A vs SA-A 1st Unofficial test match. The left-hander who is also captain, scored just 17 as India were bundled out for 234 at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. Ayush Mhatre scored a quick-fire half-century while Prenalen Subrayen stole the show with a fine 5-wicket haul.
Pant misses out on return, Mhatre impresses
South Africa ended Day 1 on 299/9 and added just 10 runs at to be bowled out for 309. In response, Sai Sudharsan and Ayush Mhatre took contrasting approaches to taking down the Proteas attack. In their 90-run opening stand, Mhatre contributed with a breezy 65 off just 76 balls with as many as 10 boundaries. The Indian line up, despite their wealth of experience collapsed.
Devdutt Padikkal was dismissed for 6, while Sudharsan was eventually dismissed for a patient 32. Rajat Patidar and Rishabh Pant both got starts, but failed to capitalise. Ayush Badoni was India’s second highest run getter of the game, scoring 38. India were shot out for 234, batting less than 60 overs.
Subrayen impresses for Proteas
Prenalen Subrayen featured in the Test match against Pakistan but managed just 2 wickets as South Africa lost. He was omitted from the XI as the World Test Champions registered a dominant win in the second game to level the series. Subrayen is the on the tour to India and the A games offer him the chance to sus the conditions. He took the opportunity with both hands, with a 5-fer in Bengaluru. The left-arm spinner got 3 of India’s top order, and will take a lot of confidence going into the IND vs SA Test series.
