India A vs South Africa A test match live score: Shubman Gill, Karun Nair half-centuries put India A on driver’s seat

India A vs South Africa A test match: The second unofficial Test match saw India gaining momentum on Day 1 in Mysore.

During the first day of the second unofficial Test of the ongoing South Africa A’s tour of India in Mysore, India A were guided by half-centuries from opening batsman Shubman Gill and middle-order batsman Karun Nair.

After South Africa A captain Aiden Markram won the toss and put India A in to bat, the hosts posted 233/3 in 74 overs before bad light forced the players to walk-off the field.

Gill, who opened the batting with Bengal batsman Abhimanyu Easwaran, registered his ninth First-class half-century against a bowling attack comprising of Vernon Philander, Lungi Ngidi and Dane Piedt. Since scoring 204* (248) against West Indies A in August, Gill played a dull Duleep Trophy where he led the India Blue team.

While Gill would be disappointed to not reach the three-figure mark, scoring two 90+ scores in this series which is right before his maiden Test series next month is likely to give him immense confidence.

India A vs South Africa A test match: Karun Nair also among the runs

Coming in to bat at No. 4 in the 17th over, Karnataka batsman Karun Nair stitched a 135-run partnership for the third wicket alongside Gill. At stumps, Nair remained unbeaten on 78* (167). In what is his 22nd half-century in the format, it has seen Nair continuing his successful spree.

Including this innings, Nair has registered scores of 99, 166*, 90 and 20 at an average of 151 in his last five innings. Having last played for India during the Australia series in 2017, Nair needs more such innings to be back in contention for selection at the highest level.

With Nair and captain Wriddhiman Saha (36*) in the middle, India A would be looking to post a dominating total in the first innings. For South Africa A, Wiaan Mulder, Ngidi and Lutho Sipamla picked up a wicket each.