Rishabh Pant Shines With Explosive 90 in India A’s Fightback Against South Africa A

Rishabh Pant was in his element on the final day of the first unofficial Test between India A and South Africa A, which is being played at the BCCI's COE Ground 1. Making a strong comeback as captain of India A in the two-match series after a near three-month break, Pant made only 17 runs in the first innings. He made amends with 90 runs in 113 balls in the second innings, laced with 11 fours and four sixes. This innings brought his team back into the match, even though he missed out on a well-deserved century. India scored 216 for 7, needing 59 runs to win, till lunch on the final day.

South Africa A have performed brilliantly on this tour and set a challenging target of 275 for India A. The hosts found themselves in trouble when they dismissed Ayush Mhatre, Sai Sudarshan, and Devdutt Padikkal cheaply. Rajat Patidar (28) also departed easily. But then came Pant, who destroyed the South Africa A bowling attack with his brilliant bowling. He finished the third day unbeaten on 64.

On the final day, India A needed 156 runs to win. All hopes rested on Pant, and the Indian cricket team's Test vice-captain looked in excellent form. He, along with Ayush Badoni, decided to counterattack and smashed a massive six over the covers off Sale on the second ball of the day. He scored 14 runs in the first over of the fourth day, helping India A build on their lead. Most of the runs came via boundaries, as Pant was in his usual attacking mode.

Pant's luck ran out for long time. Left-arm fast bowler Tiaan van Vuuren came on in the 49th over and bowled a short delivery to Pant, which Pant was caught behind. He scored 90 runs off 113 balls, but fell short of a century. Rishabh Pant is leading India A against South Africa A in two four-day matches ahead of the India vs. South Africa series, which begins on November 14th.