Dhruv Jurel’s grit and Ackerman’s brilliance define a see-saw battle News24 –
IND A vs SA A Day-2 Report: It was a day of fluctuating fortunes and individual brilliance as India A wrested back control late on Day 2, ending stumps with a 112-run lead over South Africa A in the unofficial Test. After being bowled out for 255 in the first innings, the visitors clawed back through a spirited bowling effort and a steady second-innings start, leaving the match delicately poised heading into Day 3.
India A’s Wobbly Start Saved by Jurel’s Heroics
Resuming from an overnight struggle, India A’s innings was rescued almost single-handedly by Dhruv Jurel, whose mature, unbeaten 132 off 175 balls anchored an otherwise fragile batting performance. The wicketkeeper-batter displayed a fine blend of patience and counterattack, keeping a disciplined South African pace attack at bay.
While wickets kept tumbling around him – India A slipped from 86 for 5 to 126 for 7, Jurel found a valuable ally in Kuldeep Yadav (20 off 88) during a gritty 79-run stand for the eighth wicket. Together, they frustrated the hosts and pushed India A past 200 before Tiaan van Vuuren (4/52) wrapped up the tail efficiently.
The young seamer was the pick of the bowlers, maintaining a probing line and earning his rewards late in the innings. He received solid support from Tshepo Moreki (2/52) and Prenelan Subrayen (2/73), as South Africa A restricted the visitors to 255 all out in 77.1 overs.
Ackerman’s Counterattack Lights Up the Day
In reply, South Africa A endured a horror start, reduced to 12 for 3 within eight overs, courtesy of fiery new-ball spells from Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep. But the innings took a dramatic turn thanks to a breathtaking knock from captain MJ Ackerman, who played one of the most commanding innings of the series so far.
Ackerman’s 134 off just 118 balls, studded with 17 fours and 5 sixes, was a display of pure dominance and intent. He farmed the strike smartly, punished loose deliveries, and turned the pressure back on the Indian bowlers. None of the others offered meaningful support, only Subrayen (20 off 30) managed to stick around briefly but Ackerman’s lone hand propelled South Africa A to a respectable 221 all out in just 47.3 overs.
Among the bowlers, Prasidh Krishna (3/35) impressed with his bounce and accuracy, while Siraj and Akash Deep chipped in with two wickets apiece. Kuldeep Yadav accounted for van Vuuren but was expensive, conceding 66 runs in his 11 overs.
India A Build on the Lead, but South Africa Strike Late
Trailing by 34 runs, India A’s second innings got off to a rocky start as Abhimanyu Easwaran endured another failure, trapped leg-before for a duck by Okuhle Cele. The pair of KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan then steadied the ship with a fluent 48-run stand, playing the seamers cautiously and capitalizing on loose deliveries.
Sudharsan looked in good touch, striking five boundaries for his 23 off 38, before van Vuuren trapped him plumb in front. Padikkal (24 off 42) followed soon after, edging Cele to slip, leaving India A at 78 for 3 when stumps were drawn.
Rahul remained unbeaten on 26 off 57, alongside Kuldeep Yadav (0), as India A extended their overall lead to 112 runs with seven wickets in hand. The visitors will be keen to build on this foundation on Day 3, with in-form batters Jurel and Pant still to come.
India A slightly ahead of stumps
After two days of pulsating, fast-moving cricket, both teams remain very much in contention. India A’s lead is handy but not decisive, and South Africa A will back themselves to chase anything under 250 on this surface.
For now, the spotlight belongs to Dhruv Jurel, whose composed century under pressure has given India A the upper hand. Yet, Ackerman’s explosive 134 ensured South Africa A stayed within striking distance, setting the stage for an absorbing Day 3.