In an extraordinary display of composure and batting depth, South Africa A stunned India A by chasing down a mammoth 417 in the second unofficial Test in Bengaluru. The visitors’ record-breaking pursuit not only sealed a memorable win but also exposed glaring weaknesses in India A’s bowling unit — particularly the ineffectiveness of wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, whose form is now under serious scrutiny ahead of India’s upcoming Test assignments.
The match began evenly poised, with India A setting a strong platform through centuries from Abhimanyu Easwaran and Sarfaraz Khan, posting 385 in their first innings. South Africa A responded solidly, reaching 356, thanks to Tony de Zorzi’s controlled ton and vital partnerships in the middle order. With a slim lead, India A opted for aggressive batting in their second innings but managed only 387, leaving the Proteas A side a daunting fourth-innings target of 417 — a total historically considered impregnable in subcontinental conditions.
However, South Africa A’s response defied expectations. Their openers Edward Moore (118) and Tony de Zorzi (92) built a magnificent 162-run stand, blunting India’s bowlers from the outset. The pitch, though wearing, offered little turn or uneven bounce, leaving India A’s spinners ineffective. Kuldeep Yadav, expected to be the strike weapon in such conditions, bowled over 30 overs without taking a wicket. His lack of penetration, coupled with inconsistent lengths, allowed the visitors to dominate.
The chase gathered momentum as Tristan Stubbs and Khaya Zondo added crucial runs in the middle order, steering South Africa A closer to the target. Stubbs’ unbeaten 71 and Zondo’s composed 54 sealed the chase before tea on Day 4, sparking jubilant celebrations among the touring contingent.
For India A, the result was a sobering reality check. Their bowlers, led by Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar, and Kuldeep Yadav, struggled to create pressure in the second innings. Avesh and Mukesh bowled with heart but failed to find consistent breakthroughs, while Kuldeep’s lack of bite raised eyebrows given his pedigree and experience. Once touted as India’s next great wrist-spinner, his struggles in red-ball cricket have become a concern for selectors and fans alike.
South Africa A’s coach Shukri Conrad praised his side’s application and temperament, describing the win as “a defining statement of maturity and belief.” He credited the batting group for handling the pressure of a massive chase in foreign conditions. “To chase 417 in India is special. The boys trusted their game plan and executed beautifully,” he said.
India A captain Shubman Gill, while disappointed, called it “a lesson in discipline.” He admitted that the bowling unit lacked consistency in key sessions and that the spinners “didn’t adapt quickly enough.”
The defeat comes at a crucial time as India’s selectors finalize backup options for the senior Test squad ahead of the home series against South Africa. Kuldeep Yadav’s inability to trouble batters even on favorable surfaces could open doors for alternatives like R. Sai Kishore and Saurabh Kumar, both of whom have impressed in domestic red-ball cricket.
For South Africa A, this victory stands as one of their most remarkable overseas results in recent years — a testament to their growing confidence and technical maturity. For India A, the 417-run chase conceded will remain a wake-up call about the urgent need for sharper bowling plans and greater mental resilience in the longest format.
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