Prenelan Subrayen fifer helps South Africa A take advantage

South Africa A reached a position of strength on the second day of the first unofficial Test against India A at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. After bowling India A out for 234, the visitors safely negotiated 12 overs before Stumps to extend their lead to 105 runs by the end of day's play.

Resuming the day on 299/9, South Africa A added 10 runs to their overnight tally before Gurnoor Brar picked up the final wicket. In response, India's openers started strongly. The 18-year-old Ayush Mhatre impressed as he stroked his way to a fifty in quick time while his partner, Sai Sudharsan, took his time to get settled in. They took India A to 71 for no loss at Lunch.

Mhatre was the first to fall in the second session after he was out caught off Prenelan Subrayen for 65. Devdutt Padikkal blocked his way for a while before he too was undone by Subrayen. Sudharsan was then out edging behind off Tshepo Moreki as India slipped from 90/0 to 124/3. India A felt a semblance of control when captain Rishabh Pant and Rajat Patidar shared a 30-run stand next but they both fell in the space of two overs, leaving the side on 163/5 at Tea.

Ayush Badoni was the only batter to offer significant resistance in the final session with his 38 with, adding a 36-run stand with Anshul Kamboj, which was the most substantial of the day following the 90-run opening stand. India A lost wickets at regular intervals with Subrayen picking up the final wicket of Khaleel Ahmed to complete his five-wicket haul.

Having bowled India out for 234, South Africa A claimed a crucial 75-run first-innings lead. Their openers, Jordan Hermann and Lesego Senokwane, batted out the remainder of the session defiantly - seeing out 12 overs while adding 30 runs.

Brief Scores: South Africa A 309 & 30 for no loss (Jordan Hermann 12*, Lesego Senokwane 9*) lead India A 234 (Ayush Mhatre 65, Ayush Badoni 38; Prenelan Subrayen 5-61) by 105 runs.