Tanush Kotian, Rishabh Pant shine as India A register thrilling win over South Africa A

India A clinched a dramatic three-wicket win over South Africa A In the first informal test at the BCCI Center of Excellence, Bengaluru. The win, which gave India A a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, was buoyed by an impressive performance by Tanush Kotyan and the skipper. Rishabh PantBoth played pivotal roles in guiding their team to victory after a tense chase that lasted 275 runs.

Tanush Kotyan’s brilliance leads India’s bowling attack A

Outside the roundabout Tanush Kotian He produced a match-winning performance, taking four key wickets in South Africa A’s second innings to disrupt the batting momentum. His numbers, combined with Anshul Kamboj’s three-wicket haul, ensured the visitors were bowled out for 199, making India A a difficult target.

Kotian’s disciplined bowling earned him a match tally of eight wickets, underscoring his growing reputation as a reliable bowler. His control and accuracy proved crucial, especially when he dismissed batsmen Jordan Hermann and Zubair 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 defensive, with fifties from Hermann, Hamza and Robin Hermann giving them a strong platform. However, Kotyan’s continued exploits ensured that the visitors were unable to take full advantage in their second outing.

Aggressive 90 by Rishabh Pant nails India’s chase A

After returning from a foot injury, captain Rishabh Pant reminded fans of his match-winning skills. His 90 off just 113 balls, embellished with 11 fours and 4 sixes, formed the backbone of India A’s chase.

India A were in early trouble at 32 for 3, but Pant counter-attacked with typical aggression, building crucial partnerships with Rajat Patidar and Ayush Badoni. His confident play and leadership stabilized the innings, deepening the game before his dismissal led to a brief collapse.

Pant’s innings was not just a showcase of his skill but also of his mental toughness, as he led from the front in his first red-ball appearance since missing out through injury.

Anshul Kamboj and Manav Suthar get the win for India

When Pant went down, the game hung in the balance. However, Anshul Kamboj (37 not out) and Manav Suthar (20 not out) showed remarkable composure under pressure, forming an unbeaten 60-run partnership to take India home.

Despite being hit with short fireballs – Kamboj on the helmet and Suthar on the shoulder – the duo remained firm and showed grit and determination. Kamboj sealed the win with scores of six and four respectively, sparking celebrations in the India A camp.

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IND A seal it vs SA A! Tanush Kotian changed the game once again – 8 wickets in the match and nerves of steel at the death. The boys in blue get it done. 🇮🇳🔥#Tanushkotyan #INDAVsSAA #India A pic.twitter.com/rmudavPMyv

– Manish_Anyway (@ManishKuma97130) November 2, 2025

India A’s all-round display highlighted their depth, resilience and fighting spirit. Kotyan’s winning bowling earned him the Player of the Match award, while Pant’s strong return bodes well for India ahead of their first-team series against South Africa.

With a 1-0 lead, India head into the second unofficial Test in Mysuru with momentum and confidence, keen to wrap up the series against a competitive South African side.

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