Ruturaj Gaikwad’s masterful century was the highlight as India A secured a dramatic four-wicket win against South Africa A in the first unofficial ODI in Rajkot. Chasing 286, India A reached the target with just three deliveries to spare, their captain leading the charge with a superb individual performance. Gaikwad, opening the batting, was in sublime form, peppering the boundary with 12 fours en route to his century. He laid the groundwork alongside Abhishek Sharma, who contributed a rapid 31, for an opening stand of 64. After Riyan Parag’s early departure, Gaikwad found an able ally in Tilak Varma. Their partnership of 89 runs was pivotal in steadying the chase during the middle phase. Varma added a valuable 39. Even with Gaikwad’s departure in the 41st over with India A still needing 67, the task was expertly handled by Nitish Kumar Reddy and Nishant Sindhu. Their undefeated 65-run partnership for the sixth wicket ensured India A crossed the line without further loss. Reddy remained unbeaten on 37, while Sindhu scored 29. South Africa A had earlier battled their way to 285 for 9, recovering from a perilous 53 for 5 thanks to brilliant knocks from Delano Potgieter (90) and Dian Forrester (77). Bjorn Fortuin also contributed a quick 59. This victory puts India A in the lead in the bilateral series.
