An inspiring knock of 92 (137b, 12×4, 1×6) by opener Shubman Gill and his vital 135-run third wicket partnership with Karun Nair (78 n.o.) helped India ‘A’ to take control of the proceedings on the first day of the four-day Unofficial Test Match played between South Africa ‘A’ and India ‘A’ at the SDNR Wadiyar Platinum Jubilee University Grounds here yesterday by ending the day comfortably at 233 for three in 74 overs before bad light stopped play.

Winning the toss and putting India ‘A’ to bat, South Africa ‘A’ struck early, when fast bowler Lungi Ngidi had opener A.R. Easwaran leg before for five at the team’s score of 10 for one.

P.K. Panchal (6) also departed early and was dismissed by Wiaan Mulder and India were struggling at 31 for two. Gill played an excellent knock by executing his strokes freely on both sides of the wicket and along with Karnataka batsman Karun Nair (78 n.o., 167b, 10×4) added 135-runs for the third wicket. Gill was dismissed at the score of 166 and skipper Wriddhiman Saha (36 n.o., 80b, 5×4) batted well and steadied the innings along with Karun Nair and added 67-runs for the unfinished fourth wicket. Bad light stopped play with another 16-overs left for the day.

Scores — India ‘A’: 233 for 3 in 74 overs (Shubman Gill 92, Karun Nair 78 n.o., Wriddhiman Saha 36 n.o., Lungi Ngidi one for 41, Wiaan Mulder one for 19, Lutho Sipamla one for 54).