South Africa A levels series against India A with 121-run win in second 'unofficial Test'

South African seamer Beuran Hendricks took a career-best 11 for 63 which saw South Africa A achieve a 121-run victory over India A in the second 'unofficial Test' and level the series 1-1, at the Tuks Cricket Oval in Pretoria on Monday.

According to Sport24, India A went out for 185 after tea on the final day, with Hendricks starting the morning with three quick wickets of Indian batsmen Shahbaz Nadeem (5), Dinesh Karthik (0) and Ambati Rayudu (1) in the opening five overs.

However, the report said that Ajinkya Rahane (86) and Wriddhiman Saha (77 not out) batted for two sessions to put on a threatening sixth-wicket partnership of 160, which took India A to 177 for five, although still needing 130 runs for victory.

Hendricks, who along with Simon Harmer (3/79) wrapped up the innings 30 minutes after tea, described his maiden 10-for performance as the best in his career, saying that he kept his mind clear and focused and tried to keep his game as simple as possible as he was aware that there is no margin for error in games of such level.

Meanwhile, South Africa A skipper Justin Ontong, commended his players for the way they fought back after their disappointing performance in the first match, saying that it was very important for them to win after the loss in Rustenburg, adding that they specially needed a win against India as the side has beaten them a few times in the past.