India A are on the verge of losing the first unofficial 'Test' match against South Africa as they struggled to reach 192 for six chasing an uphill victory target of 447 at stumps on the third day in Pretoria.
Ankit Bawne (46, 82), who looked set was out of the last delivery of the day, giving a return catch to pacer Junior Dala. India A require 255 runs on the final day with only four wickets in hand.
The India A batsmen were not ready to spend time at the crease save Bawne.
Sudeep Chatterjee (20, 35 balls), Ravikumar Samarth (24, 45 balls), skipper Karun Nair (30, 38 balls), Ishan Kishan (39, 32 balls) all got starts but didn't show enough intent to convert into big scores.
Earlier, South Africa declared their second innings at 220 for 5 riding on impressive performances from skipper Markram (79) and Rudi Second (74).
Navdeep Saini with 3 for 20 was the most successful bowler for India in the second innings.
India A need 255 runs with 4 wickets in hand
Brief Scores:
South Africa A: 346 and 220/5 decl (Aiden Markram 79, Rudi Second 74; Navdeep Saini 3/20)
India A: 120 and 192/6 (Ishan Kishan 39, Karun Nair 30).
Image: Ankit Bawne
Photograph: PTI