Rishabh Pant slams half-century, SA bundle for 199::India need 156 runs to win on Day 4; Tanush Kotiyan bags 8 wickets in unofficial Test

Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant marked his return from injury in style with a brilliant unbeaten half-century that helped India-A fight back strongly on the third day of their unofficial Test against South Africa-A in Bengaluru. By stumps on Saturday, India-A had reached 119 for 4 in their second innings, with Pant unbeaten on 64 off 81 balls, keeping the hosts in contention in their chase of 275 runs. Earlier in the day, South Africa-A were bowled out for 199, setting India-A a challenging target after taking a 105-run lead from the first innings. Spinner Tanush Kotian once again starred with the ball, taking four wickets in the second innings to finish with eight wickets in the match. India-A, however, suffered a shaky start in their chase before Pant led a spirited fightback. The southpaw, showing glimpses of his trademark aggression, struck eight fours and two sixes, finding good support from Rajat Patidar, who added a valuable 28 runs in a crucial fourth-wicket partnership. India struggle early in the chase, Pant slams a half-century Chasing 275, India-A got off to a poor start as the top order collapsed under disciplined South African bowling. Opener Ayush Mhatre, who had scored a fighting fifty in the first innings, fell early for just 6 runs, bowled by Tshepo Moreki. Soon after, Devdutt Padikkal was dismissed by Okhule Cele for 5, while Sai Sudarshan was trapped leg-before by Moreki for 12. At 32 for 3, India were in deep trouble before Pant and Patidar steadied the innings with an 87-run stand. Patidar looked solid, hitting five boundaries before being dismissed by Tiaan van Vuuren for 28. At stumps, Pant remained unbeaten alongside Ayush Badoni, who had yet to open his account. Kotian shines again as South Africa collapses Earlier, South Africa-A resumed their innings at 30 for no loss but struggled against India’s disciplined bowling attack. Gurnoor Brar struck early to remove Jordan Herman for 12, while Manav Suthar dismissed Zubayr Hamza for 37 after a 54-run stand with Lesego Senokwane. Senokwane also made 37 before being caught behind off Kotian, who went on to claim four wickets. The visitors suffered a middle-order collapse, losing six wickets for just 95 runs, with Anshul Kamboj picking three and Gurnoor Brar adding two more. Despite a 105-run lead from their first innings total of 309, South Africa’s 199 left the match delicately poised. With Pant still at the crease, India-A will hope to chase down the remaining runs on the fourth day and seal a memorable comeback victory.