South Africa A pulled off one of the greatest run chases in A-Test history, gunning down 417 against a star-studded India A bowling attack in Bengaluru on Sunday. Five batters scored fifties as the visitors leveled the two-match series 1-1 with a stunning five-wicket victory.​

Record-Breaking Chase

Starting the final day at 25/0 and needing 392 more runs, South Africa A never blinked. Jordan Hermann (91 off 123 balls), Lesego Senokwane (77 off 174 balls), Temba Bavuma (59 off 101 balls), Zubayr Hamza (77 off 88 balls), and Connor Esterhuizen (52 not out off 54 balls) all struck fifties to complete the chase with three overs and five wickets to spare.​

The match went past the regular 5 pm close to ensure the mandatory 90 overs were bowled. It marked the highest successful chase in A-Test history, surpassing India A’s recent 412 against Australia A in Lucknow.​

For context, this was also the sixth-highest successful fourth-innings chase in a first-class match in India. South Africa A’s previous highest chase was just 295 against The Rest in Pretoria back in 2003.​

Opening Stand Sets the Tone

The platform came from Hermann and Senokwane, who put on 156 runs for the first wicket. In the first session alone, they rattled up 114 runs in just 27 overs, reaching lunch at 139/0.​

Hermann looked particularly impressive, executing fabulous drives through the covers off pacer Akash Deep. The 23-year-old appears destined for the senior South African side soon, though he’ll regret spooning a return catch to Prasidh Krishna just after lunch when on 91.​

Senokwane departed soon after, missing a sweep off left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey to be given out lbw. At 197/2 in 53 overs, the visitors were comfortable but still had work to do.​

Bavuma and Hamza Take Control

With two new batters at the crease, uncertainty crept in about whether South Africa A would push for victory or settle for a draw. Bavuma and Hamza settled that question quickly with dazzling strokeplay, particularly from the latter.​

They added 107 runs for the third wicket, taking the tourists past 300. Hamza’s drives and flicks were a treat to watch before Prasidh Krishna’s fuller delivery deflected off his bat onto the stumps.​

Bavuma played solidly, dealing effectively with India’s pacers and Kuldeep Yadav’s left-arm wrist spin. He redeemed himself after a golden duck in the first innings, reaching fifty before hoisting Akash Deep to Sai Sudharsan. When Bavuma fell, South Africa A were 352/5, needing just 65 more runs.​

Esterhuizen Finishes in Style

Connor Esterhuizen sealed the chase with an explosive knock, racing to fifty in just 51 balls. He towelled spinner Harsh Dubey and pacer Akash Deep to take South Africa A past the finish line without further damage.​

His unbeaten 65-run partnership with Tiaan van Vuuren (20 not out) came off just 52 balls, turning a potentially tricky finish into a cruise. Esterhuizen smashed eight fours and a six, showcasing impressive game against spin, with even Kuldeep Yadav taking punishment.​

India’s Bowling Struggles

India A’s attack included Test regulars Mohammed Siraj (1/53), Akash Deep (1/106), Prasidh Krishna (2/49), and Kuldeep Yadav (0/81). Yet they found themselves under severe pressure as conditions favored batting.​

The BCCI Centre of Excellence pitch, which had offered plenty of assistance to pacers earlier, lost its sting after heavy rolling. Kuldeep, in particular, was far from his best on a surface that didn’t aid spin. With the pitch showing no signs of breaking down, he hardly found turn and was easily picked off.​

Siraj’s effectiveness was also blunted when he had to stay off the field for more than an hour after his finger got hit while fielding. Though he returned to bowl four overs (4-0-24-1) and dismissed Marques Ackerman (24), the damage was done.​

Pant’s Absence Added to Woes

Captain Rishabh Pant also had to retreat to the dressing room with the team physio during the second session, leaving Sai Sudharsan to handle captaincy duties. Pant returned when the mandatory overs kicked in past 5 pm.​

Silver Linings for India

Despite the loss, India A can take some positives from the series. Pant’s return to full fitness after his toe injury is encouraging ahead of the Test series. Dhruv Jurel’s rise as a specialist batter—scoring twin centuries in this match (132 and 127 not out)—was a major highlight.​

The bowlers also added valuable miles to their legs before the sterner test against world champions South Africa starting in Kolkata on Friday.​

Momentum Shift Before Test Series

This victory will massively boost South African confidence ahead of the two-match Test series. After winning the World Test Championship final in June, South Africa have shown swagger in red-ball cricket.​

The five-wicket win against a bowling attack featuring India’s Test regulars sends a strong message. If India felt they could coast after winning the first four-day game, the South Africans made a big statement about their intentions.​

For India, the defeat raises concerns about their bowling’s effectiveness when conditions don’t heavily favor them—something head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma will need to address quickly before Friday’s first Test at Eden Gardens.