Jurel's second ton hands India A hefty lead

Dhruv Jurel registered his second century of the match, while Rishabh Pant overcame an injury scare to score a quick-fire 65, as India A took a dominant position at the end of Day 3 of the second unofficial Test against South Africa A in Bengaluru.

Riding on Jurel's unbeaten 127, Harsh Dubey's 84, and Pant's brisk half-century, India A posted 382 for 7 in their second innings before declaring, setting South Africa A a target of 417. The visitors reached 25 for 0 at Stumps, needing 392 more on the final day.

Starting the day at 78 for 3, India A lost KL Rahul early. Pant, who came in next, was struck three times by pacer Tshepo Moreki—on the helmet, left elbow, and abdomen—before retiring hurt on 17 off 22 balls. Nightwatchman Kuldeep Yadav fell soon after, leaving India A at 116 for 5.

Jurel and Dubey then steadied the innings, taking India A to 143 for 5 at Lunch. They continued solidly in the second session, bringing up a century stand in 131 balls, with both batters reaching half-centuries. At Tea, India A were 270 for 5.

After Tea, South Africa A took the second new ball, and Moreki dismissed Dubey to end the 184-run partnership. Pant returned to bat and raced to a 48-ball fifty, including a six off Kyle Simmonds. Jurel brought up his century with a boundary off Tiaan van Vuuren, striking three more fours in the same over. Pant fell to Simmonds attempting another big hit, after which India declared.

South Africa A's openers, Jordan Hermann and Lesego Senokwane, batted watchfully through 11 overs before Stumps, remaining unbeaten on 15 and 9 respectively. Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Prasidh Krishna handled the bowling in the brief period.

Brief scores: India A 255 & 383/7 decl. (Dhruv Jurel 127*, Harsh Dubey 84, Rishabh Pant 65; Okuhle Cele 3-46) lead South Africa A 221 & 25/0 (Jordan Hermann 15*) by 391 runs.