Axar shines on rain-hit third day

Wayanad (Kerala), August 27

Left-arm spinner Axar Patel showed his all-round prowess by hitting an unbeaten 69 as India A reached 417 for 8 against South Africa A to take their lead to 157 runs on a rain-hit third day of the second and final unofficial Test here today.

With only 22 overs bowled on Thursday due to a heavy downpour, India A added another 75 runs to their total. After his five-wicket haul, Patel contributed with the bat too, scoring an unbeaten 69 off 93 balls with 10 boundaries and two huge sixes. Axar also added 69 runs for the ninth wicket with another left-hander Karn Sharma (19 batting).

The duo came together as India lost two quick wickets in the morning. Wicketkeeper-batsman Ankush Bains (35) could add only one run to his overnight score, and Jayant Yadav went for a duck.

Play was halted due to a steady downpour within the first four overs of the day. Once it resumed after a fairly long break, Axar went on the offensive and blasted the South African attack. With a 150-plus lead and a day’s play left, India A are likely to declare early enough tomorrow to give their bowlers a shot at the opposition. — PTI

Brief scores: South Africa A 260; India A 417/8 (Axar Patel 69 not out; Dane Piedt 5/191)