Parnell, Harmer frustrate India A

Pacer Ishwar Pandey and off-spinner Parvez Rasool picked up two wickets each but unbeaten half-centuries by Wayne Parnell and Simon Harmer bailed out South Africa A from a precarious situation against India A on the first day of the second first-class match at the LC de Villiers Oval here Saturday.

Strikes from Pandey (2/49) and Rasool (2/39) jolted the South Africa A top order and left them at 97 for six. But a fine 134-run unbroken stand for the seventh wicket between lower order batsmen Parnell and Harmer rescued the home side as South Africa reached a respectable 231 for six in the first innings at stumps.

Parnell hit eight fours in his 172-ball unconquered innings while Harmer had smashed nine fours and a six in his 115-ball unbeaten knock.

Despite having control during the first two sessions, India A let South Africa off the hook in the last session allowing them to score 103 runs without any wicket.

India A, who are aiming a clean sweep in the two-match series, were clinical in the first two sessions after South Africa A skipper Justin Ontong won the toss and elected to bat first.

The decision backfired as Indian pacers made the best use of the conditions and bowled a disciplined line and length.

The hosts were placed at 51 for four when lunch was taken after 19.4 overs.

In the post-lunch session, Rasool picked two wickets in the space of four balls that reduced South Africa A to 97 for six midway in the second session.

Parnell and Harmer took their own time to settle down, but once they got the measure of the track they scored runs freely.