In a thrilling first unofficial ODI at Rajkot, Gaikwad century powers India A to a strong four-wicket win over South Africa A. Chasing 286, India A held their nerves and sealed the match with just three balls left. The game was filled with partnerships, fightbacks, and standout performances — and throughout the contest, one fact remained clear: Gaikwad century powers India A when it matters the most.
Gaikwad Leads India A’s Confident Chase
The innings began smoothly for India A, and right from the start, Gaikwad century powers India A toward a solid position. Ruturaj Gaikwad showcased exceptional timing and maturity as he played a brilliant knock of 117 off 129 balls, hitting 12 boundaries. His calm approach and sharp shot selection proved why Gaikwad century powers India A in high-pressure chases.
He formed a fine 64-run opening stand with Abhishek Sharma, who smashed a quick 31 off 25 balls. Even as Abhishek fell to Bjorn Fortuin, Gaikwad century powers India A by rebuilding the innings with Tilak Varma. Tilak added 39 off 58 balls, and their 89-run partnership kept the chase on track. Every run showed how effectively Gaikwad century powers India A during crucial stages.
Riyan Parag’s early dismissal brought a slight setback, but Gaikwad century powers India A again as he steadied the chase. He remained patient, rotated the strike well, and kept the scoreboard moving. When Gaikwad finally fell in the 41st over to Tiaan van Vuuren, the equation left India A needing 67 runs with five wickets in hand — yet confidence remained, because throughout the innings Gaikwad century powers India A into a winning position.
Nitish Kumar Reddy stepped up brilliantly with a composed 37. His partnership of 65 runs with Nishant Sindhu (29) brought the team closer to the finish line. With each boundary, it was clear that the foundation laid by Gaikwad century powers India A had made the chase far more manageable.
In the final overs, India A finished the job in 49.3 overs, proving once again how Gaikwad century powers India A in matches that demand stability and courage.
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South Africa A’s Fightback After a Poor Start
Batting first, South Africa A had a terrible start, losing two wickets in the opening over. Arshdeep Singh removed Rubin Hermann, and a sharp run-out from Tilak Varma sent back Jordan Hermann. Prasidh Krishna struck next, while Arshdeep dismissed Rivaldo Moonsamy. Soon after, Nishant Sindhu stumped Sinethemba Qeshile, reducing them to 53 for 5.
But South Africa A refused to give up. Delano Potgieter (90) and Dian Forrester (77) began a powerful recovery. Their huge 113-run stand brought the innings back to life. Even after Forrester fell to Riyan Parag, Potgieter continued the charge. Bjorn Fortuin then played a quick 59 off 56 balls, putting pressure back on India A’s bowlers.
However, the earlier platform created because Gaikwad century powers India A in the chase allowed the bowlers to attack confidently. Nitish Reddy dismissed Potgieter at a crucial moment, and Harshit Rana cleaned up the lower order with two important wickets. South Africa A ended with 285/9 — a challenging but chaseable score because Gaikwad century powers India A with the bat.
Throughout the second innings, the scoreboard kept reminding everyone how Gaikwad century powers India A whenever the team needs a solid leader at the top. The confidence in the dressing room remained high simply because Gaikwad century powers India A, providing security and momentum.
By the end of the match, it was clear that Gaikwad was century powers India A not just statistically but emotionally — giving the entire team belief, direction, and control.
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