India A achieved a dramatic three-wicket victory South Africa A in the first unofficial Test at the BCCI Center of Excellence ground, Bengaluru. The win, which gave India A a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, was made possible by excellent performances from Tanush Kotian and captain Rishabh pantsboth of whom played a crucial role in steering their side to victory after a thrilling chase of 275 runs.
Tanush Kotian’s brilliant spin leads India A’s bowling attack
Non-spinner Tanush Kotian delivered a match-winning performance, taking four key wickets in South Africa A’s second innings, derailing their batting momentum. His figures, combined with Anshul Kamboj’s three-wicket haul, saw the visitors bowled out for 199, making India A a challenging target.
Kotian’s disciplined bowling earned him a match return of eight wickets, underscoring his growing reputation as a reliable spinner. His control and accuracy proved decisive, especially when he dismissed set hitters Jordan Hermann and Zubayr Hamza, both of whom threatened to take the game away from India A.
South Africa A’s previous total of 309 in the first innings had put India A on the back foot, with fifties from Hermann, Hamza and Rubin Hermann giving them a strong platform. However, Kotian’s consistent breakthroughs prevented the visitors from taking full advantage in their second outing.
Rishabh Pant’s aggressive 90 anchors India A’s chase
Captain Rishabh Pant made his comeback from a foot injury and reminded the fans of his match-winning flair. His 90 runs off just 113 balls, peppered with 11 fours and 4 sixes, formed the backbone of India A’s chase.
India A found themselves in early trouble at 32 for 3, but Pant counter-attacked with typical aggression and built crucial partnerships with Rajat Patidar and Ayush Badoni. His confident strokeplay and leadership steadied the innings, taking the match deep before his dismissal led to a brief collapse.
Pant’s innings was not only a display of his skill but also his mental toughness as he led from the front in his first red-ball appearance since his injury layoff.
Anshul Kamboj and Manav Suthar seal the victory for India.
When Pant fell, the game was on the line. However, Anshul Kamboj (37 not out) and Manav Suthar (20 not out) showed remarkable composure under pressure and forged an unbeaten 60-run partnership to take India A home.
Despite being hit by fiery short balls – Kamboj on the helmet and Suthar on the shoulder – the pair held their ground and showed grit and determination. Kamboj sealed the win with a six and a four in consecutive deliveries, sparking celebrations in the India A camp.
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IND A seal it vs. SA A! Tanush Kotian was again the game-changer – 8 wickets in the match and nerves of steel at the death. Boys in blue do it. 🇮🇳🔥#TanushKotian #Indavssa #Indiaa pic.twitter.com/rmudavPMyv
— Manish_Anyways (@ManishKuma97130) November 2, 2025
India A’s all-round performance highlighted their depth, resilience and fighting spirit. Kotian’s match-winning bowling earned him the Player of the Match award, while Pant’s impressive return bodes well for India ahead of their senior team’s series against South Africa.
Leading 1-0, India A went into the second unofficial Test in Mysuru with momentum and confidence, eager to wrap up the series against a competitive South African side.
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