Press Trust of India
Wayanad (Kerala), August 18: Middle-order batsman Omphile Ramela (112, 197b, 12×4, 3×6) struck an attractive century as South Africa A dominated the hosts by posting a comfortable 293 for four on the opening day of the first unofficial Test at the Krishnagiri Cricket Stadium, here Tuesday.
Riding on left-hander Ramela’s innings, the Proteas dictated terms after their skipper Dane Vilas decided to bat first at the picturesque stadium located in the hilly region of Krishnagiri.
The other two notable scorers were opener Reeza Hendricks (50, 87b, 7×4, 2×6) and Temba Bavuma (55 n o, 117b, 7×4). Ramela and Bavuma in fact added 136 runs for the fourth wicket in 39.5 overs.
Ramela hit his fifth first-class century in his 75th game. He was particularly severe on off-spinner Jayant Yadav (1/88) hitting him for a few sixes. He batted for close to four hours for his ton.
Limited overs specialist Axar Patel (2/52) was the most
successful bowler for India A while seamer Ishwar (1/56) Pandey also got his name in the wickets column.
Patel, kept things tight but did not show much variation to trouble the batsmen and both his wickets were primarily a result of the mistakes committed by the opposition
After a nightmarish tri-series, during which they lost all four round robin matches, the Proteas gave a far better account of themselves on the opening day.
Hendricks added 60 in 20 overs for the opening stand with fellow opener Stiaan van Zyl (28). It was Yadav, who got the breakthrough removing Van Zyl, caught by India A captain Ambati Rayudu.
Right-hander Hendricks was dismissed when he nicked one off Pandey to wicketkeeper Ankush Bains.
Hero of the day Ramela entered the crease at the fall of Hendricks’ wicket and added 57 for the third wicket with an attacking Theunis de Bruyn (38).
Once De Bruyn was caught by Vijay Shankar off Patel, Ramela and Bavuma played cautiously but at the same time punished the loose deliveries.
The Indian bowling lacked the sting and the Wayanad pitch also helped the South African batsmen’s strokeplay.
Brief Scores
South Africa A 293 for 4 (Omphile Ramela 112; Axar Patel 2/52) versus India A. Match to continue.