Easwaran, Panchal among runs as Ind A vs SA A Test ends in a draw

The first unofficial Test match between India A and South Africa A ended in a draw at Bloemfontein after play on the final day was washed out due to heavy rain.

After being asked to bat first, the hosts declared on 509/7 courtesy of twin centuries from skipper Pieter Malan (167) and Tony de Zorzi (117).

In reply, the opening combination of Prithvi Shaw and Priyank Panchal stitched an 80-run partnership before Shaw was dismissed for 48. Despite his wicket, Panchal and Abhimanyu Easwaran steadied the innings with a 142-run stand for the second wicket. While Easwaran notched up a sublime century, Priyank fell agonisingly short by four runs.

Coming in to bat at number four, Hanuma Vihari failed to put a big score on the board and was dismissed for 25 off 53 deliveries on a wicket conducive for batting. With bad light causing premature end to Day 3, relentless showers on the fourth and final day of the match resulted in the day being washed out and the game ending in a draw.

The two sides will lock horns in the second match at the same venue on November 29. However, there are doubts regarding the future of the series amid the new variant wreaking havoc in South Africa.

Brief scores:

South Africa A: 509 for 7 declared in 135.3 overs (Pieter Malan 163, Tony de Zorzi 117; Navdeep Saini 2-67, Arzan Nagwaswalla 2-75).

India A: 308 for 4 in 93.1 overs (Abhimanyu Easwaran 103, Priyank Panchal 96, Prithvi Shaw 48).

(With inputs from PTI)