NEW DELHI: Two daring shimmies, a pair of well timed boundaries and a soft dismissal summed up Rishabh Pant’s 17 off 29 balls, a brief cameo that reflected India A’s inconsistent batting effort as they folded for 234 against South Africa A on the second day of the four day match on Friday.

After bowling out the hosts for 309 in the morning session, having started at 299 for nine, India soon ran into trouble. Their batters lost discipline while off spinner Prenelan Subrayen showed impressive control to finish with five for 61 and hand his team a first innings lead of 75.

By stumps, South Africa A reached 30 without loss in their second innings, extending the overall lead to 105. Jordan Hermann was unbeaten on 12 and Lesego Senokwane on 9, keeping the visitors firmly in command.

Pant’s return falls flat

Pant’s comeback to competitive cricket after three months drew plenty of attention, but his innings ended before it could take shape. He looked sharp behind the stumps but could not carry that assurance with the bat.

He began with an ambitious heave against pacer Tshepo Moreki that missed everything, before lifting Subrayen over mid on for four to open his account. A pull shot behind square brought another boundary and a hint of confidence, but uncertainty proved his undoing. Unsure whether to cut or leave, Pant guided a catch to Zubayr Hamza at gully.

His dismissal summed up India’s muddled batting effort through the day.

Mhatre stands tall amid collapse

Ayush Mhatre was the lone bright spot, making a fluent 65 from 76 balls that showed both skill and calm. The Mumbai teenager batted with clarity and confidence, producing a straight drive off Okuhle Cele and a crisp cover drive off Subrayen that underlined his solid technique.

“My mindset is simple. I try to play my natural game and hit the ball if it is in my range, while keeping the match situation in mind. Playing club cricket in Mumbai from the age of twelve helped me build mental control and clarity,” Mhatre said after play.

He and Sai Sudharsan added 90 for the first wicket, India’s best stand of the innings, before Sudharsan edged Moreki behind after a laboured 38 from 94 balls. From 71 for no loss at lunch, India lost five wickets for 92 runs in the afternoon to slump to 163 for five at tea. Mhatre too fell during that slide, trapped by Subrayen, who continued to bowl unchanged through the day.

Devdutt Padikkal chipped a simple catch to short midwicket, Rajat Patidar was bowled attempting an ambitious drive, and Ayush Badoni made a brisk 38 before perishing in search of quick runs.

Subrayen spins a web

Subrayen was the standout performer, sending down 22 overs without a break and finishing with a fine five wicket haul. The 32 year old, who featured in South Africa’s recent Test against Pakistan before missing the India tour, used gentle turn and variable bounce to make life difficult for the batters.

“It was a collective bowling effort,” Subrayen said. “Everyone contributed, but taking wickets in India always feels special.”

By the close, South Africa A had reinforced their grip on the match while India A were left to ponder another wasted day, marked by flashes of promise but undone by lapses in concentration and discipline.

(With PTI Inputs)