Proteas captain Temba Bavuma hits fifty in South Africa A's record run-chase

Proteas captain Temba Bavuma hits fifty in South Africa A's record run-chase

Proteas captain Temba Bavuma spent valuable time in the middle ahead of the Test series in India after scoring a fifty in South Africa A's record run-chase against India A in Bengaluru.

Bavuma, returning from a calf injury, struck 59 from 101 balls to help South Africa A chase down 417 in the second innings to seal a five-wicket victory in the first-class fixture.

It was the sixth-highest run-chase ever in a first-class match in India, against a home team bowling attack that are all in India's Test squad.

The win was set up by opening pair Lesego Senokwane and Jordan Hermann, who put on 156, before the latter fell to seamer Prasidh Krishna for 91.

Senokwane then lost his wicket to spinner Harsh Dubey for 77 to leave the tourists on 197-2 with the game very much in the balance.

Another member of the Proteas Test squad, Zubayr Hamza, then combined with Bavuma for partnership of 107 for the third wicket.

Hamza was the more aggressive as he struck an enterprising 77 that included nine fours and three sixes but Krishna removed the number three.

South Africa A skipper Marques Ackerman contributed 24 but the left-handed batter and Bavuma were dismissed within seven overs of each other to leave the visitors on 352-5.

Connor Esterhuizen remained unbeaten on 52 and combined with Tiaan van Vuuren (20 not out) that saw the tourists complete a memorable victory in fading light on the final day.

Bavuma and Hamza will join up with Proteas Test squad ahead of the first Test of the two-match series that starts in Kolkata on Friday.

The South Africa A side will play three one-day matches against India A, beginning in Rajkot on Thursday.

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