South Africa-A beat India-A by 73 runs in 3rd ODI:Ishan Kishan scores half-century, Pretorius-Moonsamy record 241 run partnership; IND clinch series 2-1

South Africa-A defeated India-A by 73 runs in the final ODI held in Rajkot on Wednesday. Despite the loss, India-A claimed the 3-match series 2-1. Indian captain Tilak Varma won the toss and opted to bowl first, but the decision did not work in India’s favour as South Africa-A posted a massive total on the board. The match saw brilliant batting performances from the South African openers, followed by a strong bowling display that kept India-A under pressure throughout the chase. With a target of 326, India-A showed moments of fight but could not maintain the momentum and eventually fell short. Ishan Kishan and Ayush Badoni scored half-centuries, but the lower order failed to keep the innings alive as South Africa-A closed the match with a convincing win. South Africa-A ended the series on a high, but India-A lifted the trophy with a 2-1 overall win. Pretorius-Moonsamy record 241-run partnership for South Africa South Africa-A started the match in dominating fashion as openers Luan du Pretorius and Rivaldo Moonsamy stitched a massive 241-run stand for the first wicket. Their partnership lasted until the 37.1-over mark, putting India-A on the back foot early. Pretorius played a superb knock of 123 runs off 98 balls, hitting 9 fours and 6 sixes. Moonsamy also impressed with 107 runs, smashing 13 fours and 2 sixes. Their partnership completely shifted the momentum in South Africa-A’s favour. Prasidh Krishna finally broke the stand, dismissing both batters in the same over. Harshit Rana bowled the most economical spell for India-A, while Khaleel Ahmed took two wickets but conceded 82 runs. A late cameo from Delano Potgieter, who scored 30 off just 15 balls, helped South Africa reach 325 for 6. Ishan Kishan, Ayush Badoni fight back go in vain India-A began the chase positively with 31 runs in the first four overs, but early wickets soon halted their progress. Abhishek Sharma fell for 11, followed by quick dismissals of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Tilak Varma. India-A were struggling at 82 for 4 before Ishan Kishan and Ayush Badoni steadied the innings. The duo added 88 runs for the fifth wicket, raising hopes of a comeback. Kishan scored 53 from 67 balls, hitting 3 fours and 2 sixes, while Badoni matched him with a fluent 66 off 66 balls, including 8 boundaries. However, once both were dismissed, India-A lost momentum. South Africa’s 22-year-old spinner Nqabayomzi Peter turned the game with his impressive 4-wicket spell. India-A eventually folded for 252 in 49.1 overs despite late efforts from Manav Suthar and Prasidh Krishna, who scored 23 each.