Kotian bags four to keep South Africa A in check

India A picked up nine wickets on the opening day of the first unofficial Test against South Africa A at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Tanush Kotian starred for the hosts with figures of 4/83 while half centuries from Jordan Hermann, Zubayr Hamza and Rubin Hermann meant that South Africa A reached 299/9 at the end of day's play.

After opting to bowl, India A struck early with Anshul Kamboj dismissing Lesego Senokwane for a seven-ball duck in the fourth over. South Africa A, however, fought back with a 130-run partnership. Opener Jordan and Hamza batted through the first session and scored at a decent rate to take their side to 108/1 at Lunch with the latter also bringing up his fifty.

Gurnoor Brar provided India their second breakthrough after he had Hamza caught behind. South Africa A captain, Marques Ackerman, failed to convert his start and was dismissed by Kotian for 18. The off-spinner also trapped the well set Jordan for 71 soon after. Rivaldo Moonsamy's stay at the crease was brief too and the visitors were reduced to 197/5 shortly after the Tea break.

Rubin Hermann and Tiaan van Vuuren returned with a firm riposte in the final session. They shared a crucial 72-run stand with Rubin going on to make fifty. They were separated by Kotian who bowled Rubin before also dismissing Prenelan Subrayen in similar fashion two overs later.

Van Vuuren was dismissed four runs short of his fifty by Manav Suthar and the Stumps was called at the fall of Lutho Sipamla's wicket in the 86th over - leaving South Africa A one short of 300 with a wicket left at the end of play on Day 1.

Brief Scores: South Africa A 299/9 (Jordan Hermann 71, Zubayr Hamza 66; Tanush Kotian 4-83) vs India A.