Cricket fans in Rajkot and across the world tuned in with bated breath on November 19, 2025, as India A squared off against South Africa A in the third and final unofficial ODI of their series. While the match itself may not have had the glitz of a full international, it served up a contest brimming with individual brilliance, team drama, and a telling reminder of the depth in both nations’ cricketing pipelines. Ultimately, South Africa A delivered a commanding performance, defeating India A by 73 runs to claim a consolation victory, though the hosts had already clinched the series 2-1.
The day began with India A captain winning the toss and opting to field first, perhaps hoping to exploit any early morning movement on a Rajkot track known for its even bounce. The visitors, led by Marques Ackerman, sent out a formidable lineup featuring the likes of Rivaldo Moonsamy, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, and wicketkeeper Sinethemba Qeshile, with a bowling attack anchored by Tshepo Moreki and Lutho Sipamla. India A’s own ranks included promising names such as Ishan Kishan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ayush Badoni, and the fiery Harshit Rana.
South Africa A’s openers wasted no time in stamping their authority. Rivaldo Moonsamy and Lhuan-dre Pretorius put together a partnership that left the Indian bowlers searching for answers. The duo was relentless, punishing anything loose and rotating the strike with confidence. Moonsamy, ever the anchor, played with a calm assurance, while Pretorius brought the fireworks, stepping down the track to launch Nishant Sindhu for a towering six as South Africa A surged to 179 without loss by the 29th over.
The records kept tumbling as Moonsamy reached a well-crafted century off 123 balls, celebrating with an animated fist pump that said it all. Pretorius, not to be outdone, brought up his own milestone, racing to 123 off just 99 deliveries. Their opening stand soared past the 200-mark, laying a rock-solid foundation for the visitors.
India A finally found a breakthrough when Prasidh Krishna dismissed Pretorius, who attempted to loft one over mid-off but failed to clear the fielder. The wicket ended a mammoth partnership and gave the hosts a much-needed opening. But as is often the case in cricket, one wicket brought two more in quick succession. Harshit Rana, showing impressive control and aggression, struck with a sharp bouncer, removing Qeshile, and South Africa A suddenly found themselves at 243/3 in the 39th over.
Despite the mini-collapse, South Africa A’s middle order managed to regroup. Delano Potgieter and Rubin Hermann chipped in with useful contributions, even as Harshit Rana continued to impress, picking up his second wicket by dismissing Hermann with a well-directed delivery. Potgieter, in particular, made the most of the death overs, cracking boundaries in the final over and ensuring the visitors finished with a flourish. South Africa A wrapped up their innings at an imposing 325/6, setting India A a daunting target of 326 runs for victory.
For India A, the chase began on a cautious note. The early loss of Abhishek Sharma, caught at deep fine leg off Moreki’s bowling, put the hosts on the back foot. Ruturaj Gaikwad tried to steady the ship, unfurling a beautiful cover drive for four, but was soon undone by the left-arm spin of Bjorn Fortuin, bowled for 25. Tilak Varma struggled to find his rhythm, often getting bogged down at the crease, and India A’s innings stuttered at 59/3 after 12 overs.
The middle order was under immense pressure, and when Delano Potgieter sent Riyan Parag back for 17, the hosts were reeling at 85/4. Ishan Kishan and Ayush Badoni then joined forces, recognizing the need for a big partnership to revive India A’s hopes. Both batters played with intent, rotating the strike and taking calculated risks. Kishan brought up a well-deserved fifty, keeping the scoreboard ticking, while Badoni matched him shot for shot, reaching his own half-century at a run-a-ball pace.
However, the mounting required run rate—now climbing above nine an over—forced the duo to take more risks. The pressure eventually told. Nqabayomzi Peter struck twice in quick succession, first removing Kishan for 53 and then dismissing Badoni for 66. With both set batters gone, India A’s chances of pulling off a miracle chase all but evaporated. The lower order tried to resist, with Prasidh Krishna chipping in with a handy 23, but wickets continued to tumble.
Harshit Rana, who had been one of the standout bowlers earlier, couldn’t replicate his heroics with the bat. Nishant Sindhu and Manav Suthar battled on, but the target proved insurmountable. Tshepo Moreki delivered the final blow, cleaning up Suthar for 23 as India A were bowled out for 252 in 49.1 overs. South Africa A celebrated a comprehensive 73-run win, salvaging pride with a strong all-round performance.
For South Africa A, the day belonged to their openers. Moonsamy’s century—marked by composure and precision—and Pretorius’s explosive 123 set the tone for the visitors. Their partnership was not just about runs; it was about seizing the initiative and never letting go. On the bowling front, Moreki and Fortuin led the charge, picking up crucial wickets at key moments and never allowing India A’s batters to settle.
India A, despite the loss, could take solace in having already wrapped up the series. Standout performances from Ishan Kishan and Ayush Badoni with the bat, and Harshit Rana’s incisive spells with the ball, hinted at the depth and talent waiting in the wings for the senior side. The result, though disappointing for the hosts, offered valuable lessons in handling pressure and the importance of building partnerships—both with bat and ball.
This match also unfolded against the backdrop of India’s recent dominance in international white-ball cricket. Since their heartbreaking loss to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final at home, India’s senior team has transformed into the undisputed giants of the format. With an 11-5 ODI record and a staggering 39 wins in 59 T20Is—including triumphs in the 2024 T20 World Cup, the 2025 Champions Trophy, and the 2025 Asia Cup—India’s cricketing juggernaut shows no signs of slowing down. The pipeline of talent, as seen in this India A vs South Africa A series, remains robust and ready to feed the national team’s continued ambitions.
As the dust settles in Rajkot, South Africa A can savor a hard-earned victory, while India A—already series winners—will look to build on these experiences. With both countries boasting enviable depth and a hunger for success, cricket fans can expect many more such thrilling encounters in the years ahead.
