Rishabh Pant returns, SA-A score 299/9 in Day 1:Jordan Hermann, Zubayr Hamza, Rubin Hermann score half-centuries; Kotiyan bags four wickets in unofficial Test

The first unofficial Test between India A and South Africa A began on an exciting note at the Centre of Excellence Stadium in Bengaluru, where wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant made his much-awaited return to competitive cricket. At stumps on Day 1, South Africa posted 299 runs for the loss of 9 wickets, thanks to solid half-centuries from Jordan Hermann, Zubayr Hamza, and Rubin Hermann. Pant’s comeback added an extra layer of excitement to the match, as fans eagerly watched him take the field after recovering from injury. The day, however, belonged to India A’s off-spinner Tanush Kotian, who picked up four wickets to keep South Africa from posting a bigger total. Play will resume on Friday at 9:30 AM. Pant returns after injury against England Pant was injured during the fourth Test against England in July this year when a Chris Woakes delivery struck his leg while batting. Despite the pain, Pant showed resilience by returning to bat later in the innings and scoring a crucial fifty that helped India cross 350 runs. Post-match scans revealed a fracture in his leg, ruling him out of the series decider and subsequent games. Dhruv Jurel took over wicketkeeping duties in his absence. After three months of recovery and rehabilitation, Pant finally made his comeback in this unofficial Test. Also read: Shreyas Iyer likely to be sidelined till January 2026: India ODI vice captain says he’s ‘getting better’; physio predicts two-month recovery period South Africa’s strong batting start After winning the toss, India A captain Rishabh Pant opted to field first. South Africa lost Lesego Senokwane early for a duck, but Jordan Hermann and Zubayr Hamza steadied the innings with a century partnership. Hermann top-scored with 71, while Hamza contributed a fluent 66 before being dismissed. Captain Marques Ackerman managed 18, and wicketkeeper Rivaldo Moonsamy fell cheaply for 5. Rubin Hermann leads middle-order resistance In the middle order, Rubin Hermann played responsibly, scoring 54 runs and forming a valuable stand with Tiaan van Vuuren, who made 46. Their partnership guided South Africa past 250 before both fell in quick succession. The visitors ended the day at 299/9, with Shepo Moreki unbeaten on 4. Also read: First time since 1877, Tea will be taken before Lunch: India vs South Africa Test in Guwahati to see major change, match begins 22 November Kotian shines with four wickets For India A, Tanush Kotian was the standout performer, taking 4 wickets for 83 runs. Manav Suthar claimed 2 for 62, while Khaleel Ahmed, Gurnoor Brar, and Anshul Kamboj picked up one wicket each. Ayush Badoni remained wicketless.