India A in big trouble after another batting collapse

A distinct lack of application from India ‘A’ batsmen saw the hosts staring at a defeat against South Africa ‘A’ at the end of a rain-hit third day of the first unofficial ‘Test’, here on Thursday.

Needing 392 runs to avoid follow-on after South Africa posted a mammoth 542 in their first innings, India A were shot out for a meagre 204 in 66.3 overs in their first essay, thereby conceding a huge lead of 338 runs.

For the visitors, off-spinner Dane Piedt (5/88) was the wrecker-in-chief and was a far better bowler 

on view as compared to the Indian duo of <g data-gr-id="20">Axar</g> Patel and Jayant Yadav.

The South Africa A team then decided against enforcing a follow-on and scored 105 for one declared to set up a gigantic victory target of 444 for the hosts. 

In reply, Indians were 73 for two at stumps, needing another 371 runs on the final day to win the match.

As of now an India A win is completely out of <g data-gr-id="22">question</g> but it will be interesting to see whether the likes of Ambati Rayudu, Abhinav Mukund and Karun Nair can at least earn a draw. At the close of play on Thursday, Mukund was batting on 32 in <g data-gr-id="21">company</g> of skipper Rayudu (13 batting). Opener Jiwanjot Singh (1) was run-out while Ankush Bains (27) hit five boundaries before being done in by left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj.