On the penultimate day of the four-day game, captain Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten half-century, marked by a mix of audacity, patience and fortune, held India A together, taking them to 119/4 against South Africa A on Saturday, November 1.

India still need 166 runs to chase down the target of 275, after South Africa, starting the day at 30 for no loss, were bowled out for 199 in their second innings.

Pant (64 not out, 81 balls, 8×4, 2×6) and Ayush Badoni (0) were at the crease at stumps. Pant will need to play a crucial role in bringing India A closer to the target on Sunday.

The wicketkeeper-batter joined Rajat Patidar (28) in the middle when the South Africans were bowling with pace and bounce, troubling the Indian batters. At one point, India were struggling at 32 for three, having lost Ay

See Full Page