India A had a tough time out in the middle on the penultimate day of their third and final unofficial Test versus South Africa A in Bloemfontein.

At stumps on Day III, South Africa A were well placed at 196/1 with a lead of 188 after India A were all out for 276. Opener Sarel Erwee (85 batting), selected in the senior squad for the coming Tests versus India, and Zubayr Hamza (78 batting) were at the crease.

The day didn’t go well at all for India A as they had almost conceded a first-innings lead as well, till Navdeep Saini (27 off 22 balls) unleashed a few meaty blows to help his side to a slender eight-run lead.

Brief scores: South Africa A 268 & 196/1 (S. Erwee 85 batting, Z. Hamza 78 batting). India A 276 (I. Kishan 91; L. Sipamla 5/99). Stumps, Day III