Ishan Kishan’s fighting unbeaten 86 off 141 balls helped India A reach 229/6 in reply to South Africa A’s 268 at stumps on the second day of their unofficial Test.

The wicketkeeper-batsman put in a good display of grit and determination as India A recovered from 92 for four following a 115-run partnership between Kishan and captain Hanuma Vihari.

Vihari, who scored 63 off 170, was never troubled by any of the bowlers and was solid in defence. Kishan was more adventurous and his knock had 12 boundaries and a six.

Had it not been for Vihari and Kishan’s innings, India A would have struggled after losing Prithvi Shaw (5), Abhimanyu Easwaran (28), Devdutt Padikkal (8) and Sarfaraz Khan (14) in quick succession.

Fast bowler Lutho Sipamla picked up three wickets.

With the India squad for the South Africa tour likely to be announced on Wednesday, Vihari has emerged as a strong candidate to make the grade. Kishan will be in the running for an ODI berth.

Earlier, South Africa A, resuming on 249/7, could add only 19 runs as Deepak Chahar picked up the remaining three wickets to finish with four for 45. Navdeep Saini was the second most successful bowler with three for 51.

Brief scores: South Africa A 268 (Deepak Chahar 4/45, Navdeep Saini 3/51). India A 229/6 (Hanuma Vihari 63, Ishan Kishan 86 batting)