Pandey century sinks SA A

Manish Pandey scored 100 not out to clinch a three-wicket victory for India A in a close encounter. 

South Africa A got off to bad start losing Reeza Hendricks for a duck early in the second over. Theunis de Bruyn kept the run rate moving steadily despite losing partners in quick succession.

Captain Heino Kuhn (6) and wicketkeeper-batsman Dane Vilas (1) both fell posting low totals, putting pressure on De Bruyn to perform. The introduction of David Miller, helped De Bruyn to a near half ton, but he lost his wicket on 40 runs in the 22nd over.

The in-form batsman, Qaasim Adams, joined Miller helping him reach his half-century in the 35th over. Their hundred-run partnership was important in helping Admas reach 52 before falling to lose his wicket in the 41st over, leaving SA A on 198-5 with Miller still in on 88 runs.

Miller soon fell, and was not able to reach his century, falling short on 90 runs leaving SA A in a sticky situation with just eight overs to go.

The highly-rated future star Andile Phehlukwayo (6), could not help his side increase the run rate and lost his wicket in the 47th over, with Sisanda Magala losing his wicket just under two overs later, the visitors with posting an easy target of 230-8 after 50 overs.

Dhawal Kulkarni impressed for India with the ball in hand, taking 4-44 with Jaydev Unadkat and Hardik Pandya both taking two wickets apiece.

The visitors got off to a much steadier start, before losing two quick wickets in the 9th over, Phehlukwayo striking twice sending Karun Nair and Faiz Fazal back to the dressing room.

Despite losing Mandeep Singh (14) in the 14th over, Kedar Jadhav (26) in the the 29th and Sanju Samson (2) in the 31st,  Pandey batted amazingly hitting a four to take him to a match-winning century scoring 100 not out.

Phehlukwayo and Adams both took two wickets apiece but it was not enough as India posted a score of 234-7 winning the match by three wickets.

SA A will play Australia A on 20 August as they hunt a much-needed first victory.