Mukund, Rayudu guide India to 342/6

Seasoned opener Abhinav Mukund and skipper Ambati Rayudu struck half-centuries as India A gained a slight edge, reaching 342 for six against South Africa A, thereby taking <g data-gr-id="21">a 82-run</g> lead at stumps on the second day of the second and final unofficial ‘Test’.

While Tamil Nadu left-hander Mukund contributed 72 runs, which is the top score so far, skipper Rayudu played an enterprising innings with his 71 coming off 81 deliveries, including eight fours and three sixes.

Mukund’s fellow opener Jiwanjot Singh also chipped in with a handy 52 at the start of the innings. Young wicketkeeper-batsman Ankush Bains partially made amends for conceding 24 <g data-gr-id="24">byes</g> in the South African innings as he was unbeaten on 34 at the end of the day’s play. Giving him company at the other end was Axar Patel on 16.

For South Africa, their off-spinner Dane Piedt picked up four wickets but was hammered for 154 runs in 34 overs with Rayudu picking him up for special treatment. India began their innings on a cautious <g data-gr-id="28">note</g> but Mukund and Jiwanjot added 96 runs for the first wicket in 28 overs. It was left-arm seamer Lonwabo Tsotsobe, who angled one across to Jiwanjot, who nicked it to Dane Vilas behind the stumps. Mukund, who again showed a lot of patience during his 136-ball knock with 13 fours, was joined by Baba Aparajith (34) and the duo added 72 for the second wicket. Mukund should have got his century but a straighter one from <g data-gr-id="27">Piedt</g> caught the left-hander plumb in-front.

In his very next over, <g data-gr-id="25">Piedt</g> also got rid of Aparajith, who provided a catch for Omphile Ramela. At 169 for three, it was Rayudu and Sheldon Jackson (25) at the crease. The duo added 55 runs for the fourth wicket before <g data-gr-id="26">Piedt</g> got his third wicket, cleaning up Jackson.