India A made quite an impression on the first day of their unofficial Test against South Africa A at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, taking nine wickets. Tanush Kotian was the standout performer for the home team, finishing the day with impressive figures of 4/83. Meanwhile, South Africa A managed to reach 299/9 by the end of the day, thanks to half-centuries from Jordan Hermann, Zubayr Hamza, and Rubin Hermann. After choosing to bowl first, India A got off to a great start, with Anshul Kamboj sending Lesego Senokwane back to the pavilion for a duck in just the fourth over. South Africa A didn’t back down, though, as they built a solid 130-run partnership. Openers Jordan and Hamza held their ground through the first session, scoring steadily and bringing their team to 108/1 at Lunch, with Hamza also reaching his fifty. Also Read | 4 Reasons Why India Must Recall Mohammed Shami for IND vs SA Test Series 2025 Gurnoor Brar gave India their second breakthrough by having Hamza caught behind. South Africa A's captain, Marques Ackerman, couldn’t capitalize on his start and was dismissed by Kotian for 18. Kotian continued to shine, trapping the well-set Jordan for 71 shortly after. Rivaldo Moonsamy's innings was short-lived, and the visitors found themselves at 197/5 just after the Tea break. In the final session, Rubin Hermann and Tiaan van Vuuren responded strongly, putting together a vital 72-run partnership, with Rubin reaching fifty. Their partnership was broken when Kotian bowled Rubin, and he followed that up by dismissing Prenelan Subrayen in the same manner just two overs later. Van Vuuren fell four runs short of his fifty, thanks to Manav Suthar, and the day ended with Lutho Sipamla's wicket in the 86th over, leaving South Africa A just one run shy of 300 with one wicket remaining at the close of play on Day 1.