Bengaluru, Nov 7 (UNI) As the sun nearly dipped at the Centre of Excellence Ground 1, Day 2 of the second unofficial Test between India A and South Africa A closed with the hosts holding the upper hand — 78 for 3, leading by 112 runs — and KL Rahul standing tall, calm as a monk after a day that had earlier seen chaos and carnage.
South Africa A’s innings was a study in contrasts — a tumble, a fight, and a fall again. From 12 for 3, captain Marques Ackerman turned adversity into art. His 134 off 118 balls was a counterattack for the ages — timing, courage, and conviction in one breath. Every stroke was a statement, every boundary a rebellion.
He turned the contest on its head, dismantling Mohammed Siraj with 24 in one over — three fours and two sixes that thudded against the park — before lifting Kuldeep Yadav twice into the deep as if to remind everyone that he was not merely surviving; he was dominating.
But the great game is a leveller. Ackerman’s dazzling innings came to a close when he feathered Harsh Dubey through to Rishabh Pant — a sudden hush replacing the thunder. His dismissal ended a remarkable fightback, as Prasidh Krishna (3/35) and Siraj (2/61) worked with discipline and fire, aided by Akash Deep’s control (2/28). South Africa A were dismissed for 221, conceding a 34-run lead.
India A’s second innings began nervously. Abhimanyu Easwaran (0) perished early, while B Sai Sudharsan (23) fell just as he was beginning to find rhythm. But at the other end, KL Rahul stood in a world of his own — assured, unhurried, almost meditative.
His presence steadied the ship as he stitched a handy partnership with Devdutt Padikkal (24). His batting had a quiet poetry to it — light feet, late hands, and the elegance of a man in full control of his craft.
By stumps, India A had moved to 78 for 3. Kuldeep Yadav, promoted as nightwatchman, played his part in protecting Rahul and the lead. The hosts now look well poised to stretch their advantage on Day 3 — with Rahul’s calm promising more in the morning.
Scores:
India A 255 & 78/3 (24 overs) lead South Africa A 221 (Ackerman 134, Prasidh 3/35, Siraj 2/61, Akash Deep 2/28) by 112 runs.
