India A secured a thrilling three-wicket triumph over South Africa A in the inaugural non-official Test at the BCCI Centre of Excellence field, Bengaluru. The victory, which provided India A a 1-0 advantage in the two-game series, was fueled by exceptional showings from Tanush Kotian and captain Rishabh Pant, both of whom played essential parts in guiding their side to victory after a demanding 275-run pursuit.
Tanush Kotian’s spin brilliance spearheads India A’s bowling attack
Off-spinner Tanush Kotian produced a match-defining display, snatching four crucial wickets in South Africa A’s second innings to disrupt their batting rhythm. His stats, along with Anshul Kamboj’s three-wicket contribution, made sure that the visitors were bowled out for 199, setting India A a difficult target.
Kotian’s disciplined bowling got him a match accumulation of eight wickets, emphasizing his rising image as a dependable spinner. His command and precision showed decisive, especially when he dismissed established batters Jordan Hermann and Zubayr Hamza, both of whom threatened to snatch the match away from India A.
South Africa A’s initial total of 309 in the first innings had positioned India A on the defensive, with half-centuries from Hermann, Hamza and Rubin Hermann giving them a solid base. However, Kotian’s consistent breakthroughs ensured the visitors couldn’t fully utilize their second attempt.
Rishabh Pant’s aggressive 90 supports India A’s chase
Making his return after a foot ailment, captain Rishabh Pant reminded supporters of his match-securing skill. His 90 runs from just 113 deliveries, decorated with 11 boundaries and 4 sixes, created the framework of India A’s chase.
India A were in early difficulty at 32 for 3, but Pant counterattacked with typical hostility, constructing important partnerships with Rajat Patidar and Ayush Badoni. His confident stroke play and leadership stabilized the innings, taking the match deep before his dismissal triggered a brief breakdown.
Pant’s innings was not just a display of his talent but also his mental strength, as he led from the forefront in his first red-ball presence since his injury break.
Anshul Kamboj and Manav Suthar confirm victory for India
When Pant fell, the match hung precariously. However, Anshul Kamboj (37 not out) and Manav Suthar (20 not out) displayed remarkable composure under duress, developing a 60-run unbroken partnership to guide India A home.
Despite being struck by fiery short balls – Kamboj on the helmet and Suthar on the shoulder – the pair held strong, displaying determination and resolve. Kamboj sealed the win with a six and a four in successive deliveries, triggering celebrations in the India A camp.
IND A seal it vs SA A! Tanush Kotian the game-changer again – 8 wickets in the match and nerves of steel at the death. Boys in blue get it done. 🇮🇳🔥#TanushKotian #INDAvsSAA #IndiaA pic.twitter.com/rmudavPMyv
— Manish_Anyways (@ManishKuma97130) November 2, 2025
India A’s all-round showing highlighted their depth, strength, and competitive mindset. Kotian’s match-winning bowling got him the Player of the Match award, while Pant’s dominating return bodes favorably for India ahead of their senior team’s series against South Africa.
With a 1-0 lead, India A advance into the second non-official Test in Mysuru with impetus and assurance, keen to conclude the series against a challenging South African side.
