India beat South Africa by 3 wickets in unofficial Test:Rishabh Pant’s brilliant 90 guides IND to victory on Day 4 in Bengaluru; Tanush Kotiyan awarded POTM

Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant once again proved his class with a commanding knock of 90 runs, leading India A to a hard-fought three-wicket victory over South Africa A in the first four-day match on Sunday. With this win, India A has taken a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The second and final match will begin on Thursday at the BCCI’s NCA grounds in Bengaluru. Resuming on 119 for 4 overnight and needing 166 more runs to reach the target of 275, India A found hope in Pant’s attacking batting and steady partnerships lower down the order. Despite losing wickets at key moments, India A held their nerves to complete a memorable chase. Pant’s return from injury has been one of the biggest positives for India A. His fearless approach and sharp glove work behind the stumps have not only inspired his team but also boosted his chances for a return to the senior Test squad for the upcoming South Africa series. Also read: Kane Williamson announces retirement from T20I cricket: New Zealand batter calls time as the 2nd-highest scorer in shortest format for Black Caps Pant’s brilliant 90 guides IND to win over SA Pant’s innings of 90 off 113 balls, including 11 fours and 4 sixes, set the tone for India’s chase. He began the day in style, smashing pacer Okuhle Cele for a six off the second ball and following it up with two fours to third man. Alongside Ayush Badoni (34 off 47 balls), Pant added 63 runs in 12 overs, putting India in a strong position early in the day. The duo played aggressively before South Africa A switched tactics, opting for short-pitched bowling. Pant eventually fell to Tiaan van Vuuren, caught by Lesego Senokwane at second slip. Despite missing a century, Pant’s innings gave India the momentum they needed. Lower order shows grit for Team India in Bengaluru After Pant’s dismissal, wickets fell in quick succession. Tanush Kotian scored a useful 23, but his departure left India at 216 for 7, still 59 runs away from victory. That’s when Manav Suthar (20 not out) and Anshul Kamboj (37 not out) stood tall under pressure. Kamboj showed great courage after being struck on the helmet by van Vuuren, responding with a six and a four in the same over. Suthar, too, was hit on the shoulder but stayed firm. Also read: Babar Azam outshines Rohit, Kohli for most 50+ T20I scores: Pakistan cricketer secures the series-decider vs South Africa with 68-run knock The pair added a fighting 59-run partnership for the eighth wicket to take India home. The winning moment came when Suthar lofted Prenelan Subrayen over mid-wicket for a boundary, sealing a thrilling three-wicket win.