A good number of crowds at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot to see the India-A vs South Africa-A 3rd unofficial one-day. Ruturaj Gaikwad was at the center of the stage when the India A team stepped onto the pitch to bat.

Gaikwad has been in stunning form and started off well in the third match too. During today's brief innings, the batter played some textbook shots, which were a joy to watch. Against South Africa Team pacer Lutho Sipamla, the right-handed batter, played an elegant cover drive that raced to the boundary rope. Ruturaj scored 25 off 31. South African left-arm spinner Bjorn Fortuin picked up the wicket of Gaikwad.

In this match, South Africa A team went to bat first and registered a massive total of 325 against 6 wickets. The home team came to chase the run with their opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Gaikwad. Sharma was dismissed early, while the other opener, Gaikwad, was looking good on the track. His wicket proved costly for India. During the initial stage of the run chase, Gaikwad also played a magnificent straight drive against Lutho Sipamla.

Read More: Watch: Glimpses of Rinku Singh's 176-run innings in Ranji Trophy 2025 against Tamil Nadu

Copybook shots by Ruturaj Gaikwad vs South Africa A

Ruturaj Gaikwad cover drive for four vs Lutho Sipamla. pic.twitter.com/J4vu9JU1MJ

— Sahil Mathur (@smat8415) November 19, 2025

The opening pair started their batting with an aggressive intention as the asking rate was high. Sharma too was looking in good touch and got an over boundary playing a pull shot as well. India-A lost their first wicket in the form of Abhishek Sharma on 33 in 5 overs. Tilak Varma came as the number 3 batter, but he came and got out quickly. Throughout the second innings, Indian batters showed glimpses of their class, but very few were able to live up to the expectation level.

After playing some fine knocks With the Maharashtra cricket team in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, Ruturaj was named to the India A team and straightaway went to play a couple of matches against the South Africa A team. On November 13, the top-order batter scored 117 runs, and in the following match, against the same opponent, he got an unbeaten 67 in Rajkot. And today, he bagged a 25-run inning. 

Another injury threat for Indian cricket. After team India skipper Shubman Gill's neck injury, another star player suffered an injury and was forced to leave the field during the India A vs. South Africa A (IND A vs. SA A) team match. 

India-A vs South Africa- A 3rd unofficial one-day is underway at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. During the match, while the India A team was the bowling side, Ishan Kishan suffered an injury. He was doing the wicketkeeping job then. After sustaining the injury, he had left the keeping gloves and the field as well. In place of Ishan Kishan, Prabhsimran Singh took over the keeping gloves. 

Ishan Kishan is a key player of the current India A team for the unofficial series against the South Africa A team. He participated in the last two games as well for the Men in Blue, though he had been away from his best during those two matches. During the first unofficial India-A vs. South Africa-A ODI match, the left-handed batter scored 17 runs, and in the following match, he was with the playing eleven but did not get the opportunity to bat. 

Read More: “Ruturaj Gaikwad best suited as…”- Anil Kumble’s stunning suggestion to CSK ahead of IPL 2026

Multiple injury threats for Indian cricket

Ishan Kishan's injury caused more worry among Indian cricket fans because of the injury of Shubman Gill. The Test and ODI team captain of India has been recovering from a neck injury he sustained during the India vs South Africa Test at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. BCCI on Wednesday issued a major update on Gill, ahead of the India vs South Africa 2nd Test, which is scheduled to be played at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. 

"Team India captain Shubman Gill suffered a neck injury on Day 2 of the Kolkata Test against South Africa and was taken to the hospital for examination after the end of the day's play. He was kept under observation and discharged the next day. Shubman has been responding well to the medical treatment provided and will travel to Guwahati with the team on 19th November, 2025. He will continue to be monitored by the BCCI medical team, and a decision on his participation in the 2nd Test will be taken accordingly," BCCI informed. 

After Harshit Rana and Nishant Sindhu crushed the South African batters, the in-form Indian cricketer and star CSK batter comfortably guided India A to chase the paltry 133-run target to secure the series before the last game. 

Nishant Sindhu and Harshit Rana dominated with the ball

South Africa A chose to bat first in the second game of the three-match unofficial ODI series on Sunday (November 16), but the visitors were bundled out for only 132 runs in 30.3 overs. While the left-arm spinner Nishant Sindhu scalped four wickets (4/16), the right-arm fast bowler Harshit Rana shook the top-order batting and claimed three wickets (3/21).

Among the visiting batters, openers Lhuan-dre Pretorius (21) and Rivaldo Moonsamy (33), and the late middle-order batters Dian Forrester (22), Delano Potgieter (23), and Prenelan Subrayen (15) reached double-digit scores. 

See Also: Know updated WTC 2025-27 points table after India’s 30-run defeat against South Africa

CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad totally controlled comfortable chasing

In reply, Indian openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Abhishek Sharma set up a good start with a 53-run partnership for the first wicket. Although Abhishek was dismissed for 32 off 22 balls with six fours, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj continued his strong batting form and had another 82-run partnership with the India A captain Tilak Varma for the unbroken second wicket, as India A chased down the target in just 27.5 overs with the loss of only one wicket. 

Ruturaj, who scored the match-winning century in the last game (117), remained not out for 68 off 83 balls with the help of nine fours. In the meantime, skipper Tilak Varma was unbeaten for 29 off 62 balls with two fours. 

Ruturaj Gaikwad is knocking on ODI door

CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is once again knocking on the ODI door. In six ODIs, he has scored 115 runs, including one half-century, as his last ODI appearance was in December 2023 during the South Africa tour. Currently, Ruturaj is one of the in-form batters in Indian cricket, who has also started the domestic cricket season impressively. His List A batting average is 56.93, as the right-handed batter has scored 4441 runs in 87 games, including 17 centuries and 17 half-centuries, and his List A batting strike rate is outstanding 101.34.  

India A bowlers totally dominated the South Africa A batting line-up, who were bundled out for only 132 runs in 30.3 overs. The 21-year-old all-rounder Nishant Sindhu and the 23-year-old right-arm fast bowler Harshit Rana dominated with the ball to crush the visitors at Rajkot on Sunday (November 16).

Trailing the three-match series by 1-0, South Africa A chose to bat first after winning the toss in the second unofficial ODI. Although South Africa A had a better start with a 39-run partnership for the first wicket, they later lost wickets at regular intervals once that opening partnership was broken.

No big scores from South Africa A batters 

Only five Proteas batters managed double-digit scores. Apart from the openers Lhuan-dre Pretorius (21) and Rivaldo Moonsamy (33), only the late middle-order batters Dian Forrester (22), Delano Potgieter (23), and Prenelan Subrayen (15) managed to reach double-digit scores, but all of them failed to make bigger marks.

See Also: Know updated WTC 2025-27 points table after India’s 30-run defeat against South Africa

Nishant Sindhu took 4 wickets, Harshit Rana bagged 3 wickets

The young all-rounder Nishant Sindhu, the left-arm spinner, picked up four wickets, including collapsing the lower-order batting. He finished the innings with the bowling figures of 7-1-16-4.

In the meantime, the right-arm fast bowler Harshit Rana shook the top-order batting, as he dismissed three out of the first four batters of the innings. Rana had the bowling figures of 5-1-21-3.

Also, Prasidh Krishna got two wickets (2/21), and the skipper Tilak Varma (1/12) got one wicket. In the meantime, Arshdeep Singh was wicketless in his four overs (4-0-33-0).  

In the ongoing unofficial ODI series, Nishant Sindhu and Harshit Rana are jointly leading the most wickets table with five wickets each. While India A won their previous match by four wickets with three balls to spare, Rana picked up two wickets in that game, as he had the best bowling figures in that entire match (10-0-49-2). 

IND-A vs SA-A South Africa A Tour of India Match Preview:

India A and South Africa A will once again face each other for the second one-day match on the Rajkot ground. India A won the first match, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. They won the first match against South Africa A by 4 wickets. Ritufaj Gaikwad was awarded Man of the Match for his excellent century of 117 runs in 129 balls. 

On the other hand, South Africa, batting first, had set a target of 286 runs for India. Dalano Potgieter scored 90 runs for them, while Dian Forrester scored 77 runs. Bjorn Fortuin bowled brilliantly, taking two wickets for 50 runs. To remain in contention for the series, South Africa A must win this match.

IND-A vs SA-A Recent Performance: 

IND-A vs SA-A South Africa A Tour of India Match Details:

• Series/Tournament: South Africa A Tour of India
• Match: IND-A vs SA-A 2nd ODI
• Date: 16 Nov. 2025
• Match Start Time: 01:30 PM IST
• Stadium/Venue: Niranjan Shah Cricket Stadium, Rajkot, Gujarat
• Live Score: cricketwinner.com
• Live Streaming: Fan Code app.

IND-A vs SA-A Head-to-Head Stats:

(Last 10 Matches)

IND-A vs SA-A Pitch & Weather Report:

There is a possibility of light clouds in the sky. The temperature is expected to reach around 20.1°C. Based on previous stats, the average score at this venue ranges between 255 and 285 runs. The pitch offers good assistance to batters and spinners.

Bellerive Oval Hobart, Australia Stats: 

Niranjan Shah Cricket Stadium, Rajkot, Gujarat, the pitch is well-balanced and favourable for batting. Pacers bowlers get a little more help on this pitch. Winning the toss and opting to bat first will be a wise decision on this surface.      

IND-A vs SA-A Dream11 Prediction Playing 11

New Zealand (IND-A) Probable 11:

1. Abhishek Sharma, 2. Ruturaj Gaikwad, 3. Riyan Parag, 4. Tilak Varma(C), 5. Ishan Kishan(WK), 6. Nitish Kumar Reddy, 7. Nishant Sindhu, 8. Harshit Rana, 9. Vipraj Nigam, 10. Arshdeep Singh, 11. Prasidh Krishna

South Africa (SA-A) Probable 11:

1. Rubin Hermann(WK), 2. Rivaldo Moonsamy(WK), 3. Jordan Hermann, 4. Marques Ackerman(C), 5. Sinethemba Qeshile(WK), 6. Delano Potgieter, 7. Dian Forrester, 8. Bjorn Fortuin, 9. Tiaan van Vuuren, 10. Tshepo Moreki, 11. Ottneil Baartman

IND-A vs SA-A- Top Picks from IND-A

IND-A vs SA-A- Top Picks from SA-A

Cricket Winner Player’s Insight:

Ruturaj Gaikwad (IND-A) will open for IND-A. He was awarded Man of the Match in the last match.

Abhishek Sharma (IND-A) is a young and aggressive opener for India. He smashed 31 runs in the match.

Bjorn Fortuin(SA-A) is a key all-rounder in the SA-A Setup. He scored 59 runs and also took 2 wickets in the previous game. He is a very valuable player for the upcoming match

Jordan Hermann (SA-A) comes to bat at number three.  Unfortunately, he ran out in the last game. It is anticipated that he would do well in this game.

IND-A vs SA-A Captain & Vice-Captain Choices:

IND-A vs SA-A Fantasy Team Suggestion:  

IND-A vs SA-A Dream11 Prediction Expert Advice 

IND-A vs SA-A Dream11 Prediction Probable Winners:

India A is expected to win this match. South Africa is now under psychological pressure after India won the first match, and they have the advantage of playing on their home ground.

IND-A vs SA-A 2nd ODI FAQ

Who is likely to win the IND-A vs SA-A match today?

India A (IND-A) are expected to win this match.

Who is ahead in head-to-head stats?    

India A.

Who are the top fantasy picks for the IND-A vs SA-A Dream11 team?

Bjorn Fortuin, Abhishek Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Delano Potgieter and Jordan Hermann 

What is the pitch report for this match?

The surface is balanced, and we can expect an average score range between 255 and 285 runs.

India A claimed a four-wicket win against South Africa A in the unofficial first ODI at Rajkot on Thursday (November 13), as they successfully chased the target of 286 runs in the final over, while the opener and vice-captain Ruturaj Gaikwad scored a century, and middle-order batters Nitish Kumar Reddy and Nishant Sindhu played heroic finisher roles. 

South Africa A scored 285/9 after a horrible start

After South Africa A chose to bat first, they had an awful start: three of their first four batters failed to open the scoreline, and they were down to three wickets with only one run on the board in just 1.4 overs. The struggle further stretched to 53/5 in 11.2 overs as the visitors lost their top five batters, all for less than 20 runs. 

Dian Forrester and Delano Potgieter handled the crisis with a solid 113-run partnership for the sixth wicket, and then Potgieter and Bjorn Fortuin had an 87-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Forrester scored 77 off 83 balls with four fours and four sixes, while Potgieter scored 90 off 105 balls with 10 fours and one six. Also, Fortuin scored 59 off 56 balls with eight fours. 

Finally, South Africa A scored 285/9 in 50 overs. Among the Indian bowlers, Arshdeep Singh (2/59) and Harshit Rana (2/49) picked up two wickets each, while four out of the other six India A bowlers managed to claim one wicket.

See Also: Sanjay Bangar Confident About Star Spinner’s Spot in India’s Playing XI for IND vs SA 2025 1st Test

Centurion Ruturaj Gaikwad provided strong start before confident finishing of Nitish Kumar Reddy and Nishant Sindhu

In reply, India A had a good start with a 64-run partnership between Ruturaj Gaikwad and Abhishek Sharma. After Abhishek (31) and Riyan Parag (8) were dismissed quickly, Ruturaj had an 89-run partnership with the skipper Tilak Varma for the third wicket. While Tilak scored 39 and Ishan Kishan was dismissed for 17 runs, Ruturaj scored 117 off 129 balls with 12 fours before losing his wicket in the 41st over. 

Middle-order batters Nitish Kumar Reddy and Nishant Sindhu played powerful roles with the bat, as they had a 65-run partnership in 49 balls for the sixth wicket to guide the hosts to the target. Apart from taking a wicket in his two overs (1/18), Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has been released from the first Test squad against South Africa (starting on November 14, 2025, at Kolkata), scored 37 off 26 balls with three fours and one six. In the meantime, Nishant scored 29 not out off 26 balls (three fours), while Harshit Rana finished the game with a sixer on the third ball of the final over, as India A won by four wickets with three balls remaining.   

IND-A vs SA-A ODI Series, 2025 Match Preview:

India A will take on South Africa A in the first ODI of 2 two-match series. SA-A completed the test series 1-1 after winning the second test match. In this match, Tilak Varma will lead the Indian side. Abhishek Sharma will open the innings along with Prabhsimran Singh. Ishan Kissan will not be part of the first match.

On the other hand, SA-A won their previous series against NZ-A. Jordan Hermann was the highest run getter for them, and he will remain a key player for the Proteas in this series as well. In this match, both teams will take the field to secure their first win.

Recent Performance:

Match Details:

• Series/Tournament: ODI Series, 2025
• Match: IND-A vs SA-A Match 1
• Date: 13 Nov. 2025
• Match Start Time: 01:30 PM IST
• Stadium/Venue: Niranjan Shah Cricket Stadium, Rajkot, Gujarat, India
• Live Score: cricketwinner.com
• Live Streaming: JioHotstar app.

Head-to-Head Stats:

IND-A vs SA-A Pitch & Weather Report:

The weather is expected to be favourable during this match. The temperature is expected to reach around 25.3°C. Based on previous ODI stats, the average score at this venue ranges between 300 and 330 runs. The pitch offers good assistance to batters.

Niranjan Shah Cricket Stadium Stats: 

Niranjan Shah Cricket Stadium boasts a flat pitch, offering batsmen ample opportunities to score big. Winning the toss and opting to bat first will be a wise decision on this surface.      

IND-A vs SA-A Probable Playing 11

India-A (IND-A) Probable 11:

1. Abhishek Sharma, 2. Ruturaj Gaikwad, 3. Tilak Varma(C), 4. Riyan Parag, 5. Ishan Kishan(WK), 6. Nitish Kumar Reddy, 7. Vipraj Nigam, 8. Nishant Sindhu, 9. Arshdeep Singh, 10. Prasidh Krishna, 11. Harshit Rana

South Africa-A (SA-A) Probable 11:

1. Lhuan-dre Pretorius(WK), 2. Jordan Hermann, 3. Rivaldo Moonsamy(WK), 4. Jason Smith, 5. Rivaldo Moonsamy(WK), 6. Mihlali Mpongwana, 7. Marques Ackerman(C), 8. Delano Potgieter, 9. Bjorn Fortuin, 10. Nqaba Peter, 11. Kwena Maphaka

IND-A vs SA-A- Top Picks from IND-A

IND-A vs SA-A- Top Picks from SA-A

Cricket Winner Player’s Insight:

• Lhuan-dre Pretorius (SA) was the 2nd highest run getter for SA in the recently concluded ODI series against PAK. 
• Prabhsimran Singh (IND-A) was the highest run getter in the most recent ODI series against AUS-A.
• Jordan Hermann (SA-A) smashed two back-to-back centuries against NZ-A. He will be a must-own pick.
• Nishant Sindhu (IND-A) impressed with his bowling skills against AUS-A. He will be a good pick for the fantasy team.
• Abhishek Sharma (IND-A) is an explosive batsman. He was named Player of the Series in the T20 series against Australia. 

IND-A vs SA-A Captain & Vice-Captain Choices:

IND-A vs SA-A Fantasy Team Suggestion:  

IND-A vs SA-A Dream11 Prediction Expert Advice 

IND-A vs SA-A Dream11 Prediction Probable Winners:

IND-A is expected to win this match. IND-A won their previous series against AUS-A, which boosted their morale. Moreover, the selectors chose experienced players for this series.  

IND-A vs SA-A 1st ODI FAQ

Who is likely to win the IND-A vs SA-A match today?

IND-A (IND-A) is expected to win this match.

Who is ahead in head-to-head stats?    

Both will face each other for the first time..

Who are the top fantasy picks for the IND-A vs SA-A Dream11 team?

Abhishek Sharma, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Jordan Hermann, and Prabhsimran Singh

What is the pitch report for this match?

The surface is batting-friendly, and we can expect a score range between 300 and 330 runs.

While the Indian Test vice-captain and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is set to return in international red-ball cricket, the 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel has also produced a strong battle with his twin unbeaten centuries for India A during the second unofficial Test against South Africa A.

Dhruv Jurel rescued India A in first innings with 132 not out

In the first innings of the second unofficial Test against South Africa A at Bengaluru, Dhruv Jurel rescued India A from 126/7, as his 132 not out off 175 balls helped India A to score 255 all out, as they later earned a 34-run lead at the end of the first innings battles.

In India A's second innings, while the hosts were losing wickets at regular intervals, as the majority of the batters were dismissed in their 20s, Dhruv Jurel brought the stability as he set up two big partnerships from 116/5. While he had a 184-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Harsh Dubey, who scored 84 off 116 balls with 12 fours and one six, Dhruv also had a quickfire seventh-wicket 82-run partnership with the skipper Rishabh Pant, who returned to bat after getting retired hurt for getting three blows on the third day morning session.

[WATCH]: Rishabh Pant returns to bat and smashes six during IND-A vs SA-A 2nd unofficial Test

Dhruv Jurel scored 127 not out in the second innings

India A skipper Pant scored 65 off 54 balls with five fours and four sixes, while Dhruv completed his second century in the match in 159 balls. The right-handed batter remained not out for 127 runs off 170 balls with 15 fours and one six, as India A declared their second innings at 382/7 with the fourth innings target of 417 runs for South Africa A. At the stumps of the third day, South Africa A replied with 25/0 in the fourth innings. 

Rajasthan Royals star Dhruv Jurel is also in the Indian Test squad for the two-match home Test series against South Africa, which will begin next week from November 14 at Kolkata. It will be interesting to see whether Dhruv maintains his place in the playing XI, while scoring the fourth most runs (175 runs) in the recently concluded home Test series against West Indies. 

Indian cricket fans have got a big relief as the India A skipper Rishabh Pant returned to bat and smashed his familiar quick-fire half-century to help the hosts set a big fourth innings target for South Africa A in the second unofficial Test.

WATCH: Rishabh Pant retired hurt

During the first session of the third day of the second unofficial Test, India A captain Rishabh Pant got three blows, on his body and helmet, all against the fast bowler Tshepo Moreki. Ultimately, during the 34th over of India A's second innings, Pant decided to retire hurt at 17 off 22 balls.

Rishabh Pant retires hurt after taking three blows today. First on the helmet, second on the left-hand elbow, third on the abdomen. Tough day for the fighter. ❤️‍🩹 pic.twitter.com/kdTX8jdM8B

— Harsh 17  (@harsh03443) November 8, 2025

[WATCH] Abhishek Sharma smashes Nathan Ellis for massive 6 during AUS vs IND 5th T20I

Rishabh Pant returned and scored a 48-ball 50

However, Pant returned to bat in the 81st over after Harsh Dubey was dismissed for 84 runs. Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant set an 82-run partnership for the seventh wicket in just 53 balls. While Dhurv scored another unbeaten century (127 not out), just like his knock (132 not out) in the first innings to save India A's innings, Pant completed his half-century in 48 balls. Before losing his wicket, Pant scored 65 off 54 balls with the help of five fours and four sixes. India A declared their innings at 382/7, as the hosts set a 417-run target for South Africa A in the fourth innings.

Rishabh Pant is the only batter who treats Test bowlers like T20 —
Steps out, swings hard, and sends red-ball into the stands 🥶#RishabhPant
pic.twitter.com/VjSGvbfvPQ

— Orion (@arshdeep3444) November 8, 2025

The two-match Test series between India and South Africa will begin next week from November 14 at Kolkata, while the Test vice-captain Rishabh Pant is set to return to international cricket. Although his latest retired hurt had made his return to international cricket doubtful, he gave a big relief by returning to bat and maintaining his familiar batting performance.

While India A were under pressure from the morning session of the opening day against South Africa A in the second unofficial Test, Dhruv Jurel has rescued the team with a brilliant century. 

Centurion Dhruv Jurel rescued India A from 126/7

After South Africa A sent the hosts bat first at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1 in Bengaluru, the top and middle-order Indian batters lost their wickets cheaply, as India A were struggling at 86/5 just after lunch, with the skipper Rishabh Pant being dismissed for 24 runs. The struggle continued as India A were battling at 126/7, and the tail-enders were open. 

From the tough situation, Dhruv Jurel set a 79-run partnership with Kuldeep Yadav for the eighth wicket. While Dhruv dominated that partnership, Kuldeep provided strong support from the other end. After completing his 50 runs in 62 balls, Dhruv stretched his innings brilliantly to the three figures, as he completed his century in 145 balls with nine fours and two sixes. 

[WATCH] Axar Patel draws first blood with Matthew Short's wicket during AUS vs IND 4th T20I

India A scored 255 all out

Kuldeep was run out for 20 runs, while he faced 88 deliveries in the eighth wicket partnership, where he also hit one four. Later, Dhruv had a 34-run partnership with Mohammed Siraj for the ninth wicket, where Siraj scored 15 off 31 balls with three fours. Dhruv completely dominated the 16-run last-wicket partnership with Prasidh Krishna. At stumps of the opening day, India A scored 255 all out. 

While Prasidh was dismissed for a duck, Dhruv was not out for 132 runs off 175 balls with 12 fours and four sixes. It was the fourth first-class century for Dhruv, who has recorded one Test century. 

The left-arm pacer Tiaan van Vuuren took four wickets as he had the bowling figures of 16.1-2-52-4. Also, Tshepo Moreki (2/52) and Prenelan Subrayen (2/73) got two wickets each, while Okuhle Cele (1/57) had one wicket.