Press Trust of India
Wayanad (Kerala), August 27: Axar Patel showed his all-round prowess with an unbeaten 69 (93b, 10×4, 2×6) as India A reached 417 for eight against South Africa A to take their lead to 157 runs on a rain-hit third day in the second and final unofficial Test at the Krishnagiri Stadium here Thursday.
With only 22 overs being sent down during the day due to a heavy downpour, India A managed to add another 75 runs to their total.
Axar also added 69 runs for the ninth wicket with another left-hander Karn Sharma (19 batting).
The duo came together as India lost two quick wickets in the morning. Wicketkeeper-batsman Ankush Bains (35) added only one run to his overnight score before he edged one off Hardus Viljoen to Reeza Hendricks in the slips.
Jayant Yadav (0) was the next batsman out as he was clean bowled by Dane Piedt (5/191) to complete his second five-for in the series.
At 348 for eight within first four overs of the day, play was halted due to a steady downpour.
Once it resumed after a fairly long break, Axar took on the attack as he blasted the pacers and spinners alike. He was severe on Piedt, who went for a few runs, and also hit some confident strokes off Viljoen and Lonwabo Tsotsobe’s bowling.
With a 150-plus lead and day’s play left, India A are likely to declare at start of Friday’s proceedings giving their bowlers a shot at the opposition line-up.
Brief Scores
South Africa A 260; India A 417 for 8 (Axar Patel 69; Dane Piedt 5/191). Match to continue.