The spotlight shone on Dhruv Jurel, whose calm and determined century under pressure gave India A the edge on Day 2 of the unofficial Test against South Africa A. It was a day of shifting momentum and standout individual performances, as India A regained control by stumps with a lead of 112 runs.
After being dismissed for 255 in the first innings, South Africa A mounted a fightback with disciplined bowling and a solid start in their second innings. However, India A found stability through the composure of Dhruv Jurel, who anchored their innings with a remarkable knock.
Dhruv Jurel remained unbeaten on 132 from 175 balls, showcasing maturity and skill in testing conditions.
His innings combined patience with counterattacking strokes, halting South Africa A’s disciplined pace attack. Despite wickets falling around him, Jurel stood firm as India A wavered from 86 for 5 to 126 for 7.
Jurel’s partnership with Kuldeep Yadav proved crucial. The pair added 79 gritty runs for the eighth wicket, taking India A past the 200 mark and frustrating the home side. Yadav contributed a valuable 20 off 88 balls in the stand.
South Africa A’s Tiaan van Vuuren led the attack with impressive figures of 4 for 52, maintaining relentless accuracy and finishing off the tail efficiently. He was well supported by Tshepo Moreki (2 for 52) and Prenelan Subrayen (2 for 73).
With India A holding a slender but potentially decisive lead of 112 runs, the contest remains evenly balanced. Both teams will look to seize momentum early on Day 3, setting up an intriguing continuation to this see-saw battle.
Author’s summary: Dhruv Jurel’s gritty century and South Africa A’s disciplined bowling shaped an intense day as India A gained a narrow upper hand in the unofficial Test.