Even though the India A side are in a bit of a spot of bother, with 119/4 at stumps on day three, needing another 156 to win, but the positive news is, skipper Rishabh Pant is fit and doing well. On Saturday, he went on to score an unbeaten 64 against South Africa A, on 81 deliveries, to send a strong message ahead of the IND vs SA series, that is due to start on November 14.

The 28-year-old had suffered an ankle injury during the fourth Test in England, and missed sizeable action due to that. But now, he seems to be back on track for the all-important home series, after missing one vs West Indies. Meanwhile, in the first innings he had scored 17 from 20, but was caught out by Zubayr Hamza eventually.

On the last day, he would have the task of seeing IND A through, who are chasing 275 in tough batting conditions, in CoE, Bengaluru. As far as the day three is concerned, Indian bowlers were at their very best, reducing the opposition to only 199, after being reduced to 234 in their first innings.

Tanush Kotian was the pick of the bowlers once again, who managed to bag eight wickets in the match. Anshul Kamboj joined the party with three scalps. But then come the chase, Indian top order failed. Sai Sudharsan was unimpressive, and was removed for 12 only. In the first innings he had scored 32. Similar was the case with Ayush Mhatre and Devdutt Padikkal.