India A vs South Africa A, 1st Unofficial Test – Tough Morning Grind in Durban

It wasn’t the most explosive start, but it was certainly telling. India A ended the first session at 36/1 after being tested hard by South Africa A’s pace attack on a tricky Durban surface. Abhimanyu Easwaran fell early, leaving KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan to dig in and steady things under overcast skies and a moving ball. A Morning of Patience and Pressure From the very first over, it was clear that runs wouldn’t come easy. Tshepo Moreki struck early, nipping one back sharply to trap Easwaran lbw absolutely plumb, no debate needed. That early wicket silenced the visitors’ dressing room and left Rahul with a rebuild job. (पहले ही ओवर में झटका लगते ही इंडिया ए को समझ आ गया कि ये आसान सुबह नहीं होने वाली।) KL Rahul, returning to red-ball cricket, looked determined to do everything by the book. He left well, defended tighter, and played with restraint no hero shots, just quiet control. Sai Sudharsan at the other end began nervously, flirting with danger a few times before settling into rhythm. The pair’s stand may have moved at a snail’s pace, but it slowly began restoring order. South Africa A’s Disciplined Attack Credit must go to the South African bowlers. Moreki and Okuhle Cele were relentless with their lines, forcing the batters into long spells of defense. Cele’s precision stood out he bowled those “nothing” overs that actually built real pressure. When the spinners came on, Prenelan Subrayen found a hint of turn, while Tiaan van Vuuren kept it tidy from the other end. (दक्षिण अफ्रीका ए के गेंदबाज़ों ने हर रन के लिए इंडिया ए को मेहनत कराई हर ओवर में जाल बुना, मौका तलाशा।) The Rahul–Sudharsan partnership reached 34 off 76 balls — hardly flashy, but crucial in context. With the pitch showing seam movement and uneven bounce, that stand was more about survival than scoring. Rahul’s Steady Hands, Sudharsan’s Nerves Settling Rahul’s 18 not out by lunch wasn’t about numbers; it was about rhythm. His three boundaries were textbook — clean timing, no risk. Sudharsan’s 16 off 45 showed grit, and even though he looked tentative at times, he didn’t throw it away. Together, they guided India A through what could’ve easily been a collapse. (राहुल की पारी में क्लास दिखी, और साई सुदर्शन ने धैर्य — दोनों ने टीम को संभाल लिया जब हालात मुश्किल थे।) Heading Into the Afternoon India A will hope to cash in once the ball softens. The platform’s modest, but it’s solid. Rishabh Pant and Devdutt Padikkal are next in line, and if Rahul or Sudharsan can push past fifty, momentum could swing their way. Still, South Africa A look sharp any lapse could undo the morning’s hard work. At Lunch: India A 36/1 (Rahul 18, Sudharsan 16)** A session defined by patience, persistence, and plenty of discipline — not glamorous, but exactly what this kind of four-day battle demands.

Click to Visit Site