South Africa made a dismal start to
their 10-week tour of India, losing a
Twenty20 warm-up match to a
second-string side by eight wickets in
New Delhi on Tuesday. India 'A',
comprising young talent drawn from
across the country, chased down a
competitive 189-3 by the tourists with
two deliveries to spare at the Palam
ground.
The surprise win was fashioned by
uncapped openers Manan Vohra and
Mayank Agarwal, who gave their team
a flying start with a 119-run
partnership in 12.4 overs. Vohra hit a
42-ball 56 and Agarwal smashed 87 off
49 balls that included 12 boundaries
and two sixes. Upcoming batsman
Sanju Samson steered the hosts home
with an unbeaten 31 off 22 balls,
leaving the Proteas with much to
ponder ahead of the tougher contests
ahead.
Fast bowlers Kyle Abbott, Kagiso
Rabada and Chris Morris failed to take
a wicket, with Abbott proving to be the
most expensive by conceding 43 runs
in his four overs.