India A vs South Africa A: Navdeep Saini strikes thrice as hosts reach 249/7 on Day 1 of 3rd unofficial Test

Bloemfontein: India A fast bowler Navdeep Saini snapped three wickets but South Africa A still managed to score 249 for seven on the opening day of the third unofficial Test in Bloemfontein on Monday. Opting to bat, South Africa A rode on a fifty each from opener Sarel Erwee (75) and middle-order duo of Tony de Zorzi (58) and Khaya Zondo (56). While Saini took three for 42, fellow pacer Deepak Chahar claimed one for 35 and left-arm spinner Saurabh Kumar picked up two wickets. [caption id=“attachment_10190701” align=“alignnone” width=“640”]  File image of India pacer Navdeep Saini. AFP[/caption] Saini, who has been impressive in the series with seven wickets so far, gave India A an early breakthrough, dismissing rival skipper Malan (0) in the sixth over, while Saurabh sent back Zubayr Hamza (16) cheaply to reduce the home side to 44 for 2. However, Erwee and Tony took South Africa A past the 150-mark before the latter was run out by substitute Upendra Yadav. Saini then picked up two quick wickets, getting rid of Erwee and Senuram Muthusamy (0) to leave the hosts at 187 for 5 in 65.2 overs. Zondo then took the onus and shared a fruitful partnership with Sinethamba Qeshile (22). Brief Scores: South Africa A 1st innings: 249 for 7 in 89 overs (S Erwee 75; Navdeep Saini 3/42).