Sensational chase! South Africa A hunts down 417 to draw level with India A in unofficial Test series

In one of the most dramatic finishes between India A and South Africa A, the visitors stunned the hosts by chasing down a mammoth 417-run target to win the 2nd unofficial Test at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, and level the series 1-1. The four-day contest, played from November 6-9, witnessed exceptional batting, tactical bowling changes, and gripping match flow that culminated in one of the greatest run-chases ever seen in unofficial Test history.

Marques Ackerman plays a captain’s knock in the second innings

Marques Ackerman, South Africa A’s captain, anchored the visitors’ fortunes with a sublime 134 in the first innings, rescuing his side from 12/3 after India A’s seamers, Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna, sliced through the top-order. Ackerman’s century was a blend of poise and power, coming off just 99 balls and studded with 14 fours and 3 sixes, as he rebuilt the innings in partnership with Jordan Hermann and Prenelan Subrayen.

Ackerman’s flair for counterattack was best highlighted in his acceleration between the 50 and 100 run mark, dominating the spinners on a sluggish Bengaluru pitch. He followed up in the second innings with a brisk 24, guiding his team’s chase at a crucial stage before falling to Mohammed Siraj. Ackerman’s aggregate of 158 runs in the match showcased his class and earned him the Player of the Match accolade.

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South Africa A scripts historic 417 chase to square series against India A

The match’s narrative shifted several times. India A, choosing to bat first, posted 255, built on Dhruv Jurel’s gritty unbeaten 132. South Africa A replied with 221, largely fashioned by Ackerman’s aggressive century. In the second dig, India A declared at 382/7, with Jurel adding 127 more and Harsh Dubey contributing 84, setting up a daunting fourth-innings task of 417 for the Proteas’ reserves.

What followed was a masterclass in chase management. Openers Jordan Hermann (91) and Lesego Senokwane (77) provided a solid start with a 156-run stand, blunting India’s new-ball bowlers. Zubayr Hamza (77) and Temba Bavuma (59) maintained momentum through the middle overs, employing calm shot selection against Kuldeep Yadav and Harsh Dubey. The final act saw Connor Esterhuizen (52* off 54) and Tiaan van Vuuren (20* off 23) complete the job in style, Esterhuizen dashing to his half-century with an array of boundaries as South Africa A romped home with five wickets, sealing the chase in just 98 overs at a brisk 4.25 run rate.

Jurel’s batting brilliance throughout the series (259 runs) earned him Player of the Series honours for India A, but the spotlight rested on South Africa A’s historic run-chase and Ackerman’s inspirational leadership. The victory not only levelled the series but also underscored the depth and composure of South Africa’s next-gen talent, promising riveting contests ahead as these teams continue their development on the international stage.

🚨 MATCH RESULT 🚨

A remarkable run chase in Bengaluru! 💥

SA ‘A’ finished on 417/5 on Day 4 to claim victory and level the two-match Unofficial Test series 1-1 against India ‘A’. 🏏

A brilliant first-innings score of 134 (118) from captain Marques Ackerman set the tone for an…

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA)

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