South Africa A sunk to a four-wicket defeat – and three-nil series loss – at the hands of India A in Monday’s third limited-overs fixture at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
The third fixture, like the preceding two at the same venue, was affected by rain. Inclement weather allowed for just 30 overs per side this time. The visitors posted a final total of 207/8, after which the hosts reached a 208-run target with 13 deliveries to spare.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen top-scored for the tourists with 44. Five of the other top seven batsmen reached double figures, too, but none matched the success of opposition captain Manish Pandey later.
Pandey spearheaded the pursuit with a commanding 81, which spanned a mere 59 deliveries – and featured a trio of fours and quintet of sixes. Fast bowler Anrich Nortje and spinner George Linde snared two wickets each, but couldn’t stop Pandey. Fast bowler Lutho Sipamla proved relatively economical en route to figures of none for 25 in five overs.
Thiruvananthapuram will also host fixtures four and five on Wednesday and Friday, respectively. Two four-day fixtures between the same opposition will follow.
Test cricketers Umesh Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav and Wriddhiman Saha have been named in India A’s squad for the twin first-class matches.
Photo: Gallo Images
