The first day of the four-day match between India A and South Africa A in Bengaluru was brightened by Rishabh Pant’s explosive comeback.
Pant, who returned to the field after a three-month injury layoff, assumed the captaincy and guided the bowlers in the right direction.
Facing a green pitch, he won the toss and elected to bowl first, but the fast bowlers didn’t get much use initially.
Spinners turn the match around
South Africa A got off to a strong start. Opener Lesego Senokwane was dismissed off the very first ball by Anshul Kamboj, but Jordan Harman (71) and Zubair Hamza (66) then put on a 130-run partnership.
Both of them easily hit Khaleel Ahmed’s short balls to the boundary. But things changed after lunch. Manav Suthar dismissed Hamza when he was caught by Pant while attempting an upper cut.
Then Tanush Kotian struck. The 27-year-old off-spinner took four wickets and put South Africa under pressure.
Spin performed brilliantly in the afternoon session. Kotian had skipper Ackermann caught by Suthar. Jordan’s brother, Rubin Hermann, also scored 54 runs, but after tea, Suthar provided India with a reprieve by dismissing Rivaldo Moonswami.
In the final session, the bowlers took wickets quickly. South Africa A were reduced to 299/9 in 85.2 overs. Kotian’s 4/83 was the star of the day.
Pant’s brilliance and the team’s strength
Pant’s return was a sight to behold. He looked fitter and sharper than ever after recovering from injury. He kept wicket throughout the day.
Ishan Kishan was called in as cover for N. Jagadeesan, who injured his hand during training with spiked shoes.
India A’s bowling proved that spin can be effective anywhere. The second day of the match will bring more excitement.
