Tiwary and Pandey script India ‘A’s win

Manoj Tiwary and Manish Pandey missed out on centuries but their contrasting knocks were enough to guide India ‘A’ to a comprehensive 70-run victory over South Africa ‘A’ in the second match of the quadrangular cricket series here on Tuesday.

Tiwary blazed his way to a 73-ball 93 with nine fours and a six while Manish Pandey’s 91 included seven fours and a six and came off 108 balls as India ‘A’ piled up 326 for seven in 50 overs. In reply, medium-pacer Dhawal Kulkarni claimed five for 54 as South Africa ‘A’ was bowled out for 256 in 47.1 overs.

Tiwary and Pandey added 124 runs for the third wicket to lay the foundation for a big total for India ‘A’. Ambati Rayudu (32 off 20 balls) and Sanju Samson (24 off 13 balls) then helped the team past the 325-run mark.

Earlier electing to bat, skipper Robin Uthappa departed early, caught by Vaughn van Jaarsveld off right-arm seamer Kagiso Rabada for two. Unmukt Chand (47) then joined forces with Pandey but the duo failed to score at a quick pace during their 84-run second wicket partnership. Unmukt hit three fours and two sixes in his 62-ball innings before being caught by Rilee Russouw off off-spinner Simon Harmer.

Though South Africa ‘A’ started well and scored 54 before losing its first wicket, it was never in the match and lost wickets at regular intervals as Kulkarni struck regularly.

The scores: India ‘A’ 326 for seven in 50 overs (Manoj Tiwary 93, Manish Pandey 91, Ambati Rayudu 32) bt South Africa ‘A’ 256 in 47.1 overs (Reeza Hendricks 52, Dhawal Kulkarni five for 54).