Rishabh Pant marked his red-ball return in spectacular fashion, guiding India A to a dramatic three-wicket win over South Africa A in the opening four-day match of their unofficial Test series at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. India A chased down 275 on the final day to take a 1–0 lead, and the victory was built around Pant’s commanding 90-run innings that blended aggression with control — a reminder of his match-winning temperament.
When play began on the final day, India A were in a precarious position at 119 for 4, still needing 166 runs. Pant walked out with clear intent, immediately taking on the South African bowlers. He counterattacked with crisp drives, flicks, and audacious pulls, smashing boundaries at regular intervals to unsettle the opposition. His 90 off 113 balls included 11 fours and 4 sixes, but beyond the numbers, it was the composure he showed after his long rehabilitation that stood out. His ability to absorb pressure and shift momentum made all the difference.
Pant’s fifth-wicket partnership with Ayush Badoni was vital. The pair added 63 brisk runs before Badoni fell for 34, leaving India A slightly vulnerable at 216 for 7. However, that’s when the lower order stood tall. Anshul Kamboj and Manav Suthar combined for a gutsy, unbeaten 60-run stand that sealed the win. Kamboj, who finished on 37 not out, played with both calm and courage, especially after taking a blow to the helmet and responding by launching a six in the next over — symbolic of the team’s defiance.
Earlier in the match, India A had trailed after the first innings, with South Africa A posting 309 and India replying with 234. The hosts turned the tide through a disciplined bowling effort in the second innings, dismissing the visitors for just 199. That gave them a target within reach, though not without risk on a wearing surface. Spinners controlled the middle phase, while the seamers ensured South Africa A couldn’t build a strong lead.
For Pant, this knock wasn’t just about the runs — it was a statement of recovery, leadership, and readiness for higher challenges. Having endured a long rehabilitation from injury, his return to form in a red-ball setting adds depth to India’s wicketkeeping options ahead of a busy international calendar. His energy behind the stumps, field positioning, and clear communication also reflected his growing maturity as a leader at the A-level.
The victory also highlighted the strength of India’s domestic and developmental structures. Players like Badoni, Kamboj, and Suthar showcased grit under pressure — qualities essential for bridging the gap to international cricket. For South Africa A, the defeat will sting, given they held the upper hand at multiple stages but failed to capitalize on key moments.
With the next unofficial Test approaching, India A will look to build on this momentum and seal the series. For now, though, Pant’s performance stands as a beacon of resilience and class — proof that even after setbacks, elite players can rise again, redefine their game, and lead from the front.
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