India A achieved a dramatic win by three wickets South Africa A In the first unofficial Test at the BCCI Center of Excellence ground in Bengaluru. The win, which gave India A a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, was powered by excellent performances from Tanush Kotian and the captain. Rishabh PantBoth of them played an important role in helping their team win while chasing the tense target of 275 runs.
Tanush Kotian’s spin talent leads India A bowling attack
off spinner Tanush Kotian South Africa A produced a match-winning performance by taking four important wickets in the second innings and derailing their batting momentum. His figures, coupled with Anshul Kamboj’s three wickets, ensured that the visitors were bowled out for 199, leaving India A with a challenging target.
Kotian’s disciplined bowling saw him take eight wickets in the match, underscoring his growing reputation as a reliable spinner. His control and accuracy proved decisive, especially when he dismissed set batsmen Jordan Harman and Zubair Hamza, both of whom threatened to take the game away from India A.
While South Africa A’s score of 309 in the first innings had put India A on the backfoot, half-centuries from Harman, Hamza and Rubin Harman gave them a strong platform. However, Kotian’s successive breakthroughs ensured that the visitors could not fully capitalize in their second innings.
Rishabh Pant’s aggressive 90 helps India A chase the target
Returning from a leg injury, captain Rishabh Pant reminded fans of his match-winning nature. His 90 runs scored with the help of 11 fours and 4 sixes in just 113 balls became the basis of the target for India A.
India A were in trouble in the early stages at 32 for 3, but Pant attacked with characteristic aggression and formed important partnerships with Rajat Patidar and Ayush Badoni. His confident stroke play and leadership carried the innings, taking the game deep before his dismissal led to a brief collapse.
Pant’s innings was a showcase of not only his skills but also his mental toughness as he led from the front in his first red-ball appearance since injury.
Anshul Kamboj and Manav Suthar ensured India’s victory.
The game hung in the balance as soon as Pant fell. However, Anshul Kamboj (37 not out) and Manav Suthar (20 not out) showed remarkable composure under pressure and stitched an unbeaten 60-run partnership to guide India A to victory.
Despite being hit by fast short balls – Kamboj on the helmet and Suthar on the shoulder – the pair persevered, displaying grit and determination. Kamboj sealed the victory by hitting sixes and fours on consecutive balls, which created an atmosphere of celebration in the India A camp.
IND A vs SA A stampede! Tanush Kotian was a game-changer again – 8 wickets in the match and strong nerves in the death overs. The boys in blue accomplish this.#tanushkotian #INDAVsSAA #India pic.twitter.com/rmudavPMyv
– Manish_way (@ManishKuma97130) 2 November 2025
India A’s all-round performance highlighted their depth, resilience and fighting spirit. Kotian’s match-winning bowling earned him the Player of the Match award, while Pant’s impressive comeback bodes well for India ahead of their senior team’s series against South Africa.
With a 1-0 lead, India A is heading into the second unofficial Test in Mysuru with momentum and confidence, keen to win the series against the competitive South African team.
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