Middle-order batsman Omphile Ramela struck an attractive century as South Africa 'A' dominated India 'A' by posting a comfortable 293 for four on the opening day of the first unofficial cricket 'Test', here today
Wayanad (Kerala): Middle-order batsman Omphile Ramela struck an attractive century as South Africa 'A' dominated India 'A' by posting a comfortable 293 for four on the opening day of the first unofficial cricket 'Test', here today.
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Riding on left-hander Ramela's 112 off 197 balls, South Africa 'A' dictated terms after their skipper Dane Vilas decided to bat first at the picturesque Stadium located in the hilly region of Krishnagiri.
The other two notable scorers were opener Reeza Hendricks, who hit 50, while Temba Bavuma was unbeaten on 55 off 117 deliveries with seven boundaries to his credit.
In fact, Ramela-Bavuma duo added 136 runs for the fourth wicket in nearly 40 overs (39.5 overs).
Ramela, who hit his fifth first-class century in his 75th game had 12 boundaries and three sixes to his credit. He was particularly severe on off-spinner Jayant Yadav (1/88 in 24 overs) hitting him for a few sixes. He batted for close to four hours for his ton.
Limited overs specialist Axar Patel was the most successful bowler with figures of 2/52 in 24 overs while seamer Ishwar Pandey got a wicket.
Patel, who bowled eight maidens, however, did not show much variation to trouble the batsmen and both his wickets were primarily a result of the mistakes committed by the batsmen.
After a nightmarish tri-series, during which they lost all four round robin matches, the Proteas gave a far better account of themselves on the opening day.
Hendricks, whose 50 had seven fours and two sixes, added 60 in 20 overs for the opening stand with fellow opener Stiaan van Zyl (28).
It was Yadav, who got the breakthrough removing Van Zyl, caught by India A captain Ambati Rayudu. Right-hander Hendricks was gone at the team total of 100 when he nicked one off Pandey to wicketkeeper Ankush Bains.
Hero of the day Ramela entered the crease at the fall of Hendricks' wicket and added 57 for the third wicket with an attacking Theunis de Bruyn whose 38 had seven fours. Once De Bruyn was caught by Vijay Shankar off Patel, Ramela and Bavuma played cautiously but at the same time punished the loose deliveries.
The Indian bowling lacked the sting and the Wayanad pitch also helped the South African batsmen's strokeplay.
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