South Africa scraped their way to a draw in their sole preparation match before the first Test against India on 5 November.
The Proteas batsmen were given an abrupt wake-up call by the India President’s XI when their top order was put to the sword, not by the usual formidable spin, but by the medium pace of Shardul Thakur.
But at least there was consolation in for the form of AB de Villiers, who ended with a well-worked hundred from a difficult position, supported by Dane Vilas (54).
Thakur picked up where he left off last night, with South Africa on 46-2, when he had dismissed Stiaan van Zyl (18) and nightwatchman Simon Harmer (4) off the last ball of the day. Just eight runs had been added when he trapped Faf du Plessis (4) lbw and four overs later removed Hashim Amla (1). Dean Elgar (23) fell to Nathu Singh, another medium-pacer, to put South Africa in an embarrassing position at 57-5.
Once again, it fell to the rock that is De Villiers to haul them out of the hole. Temba Bavuma (15) hung around long enough to contribute to a stand of 54 before he was undone by the pace of Hardik Pandya with the score on 111.
Finally Vilas helped De Villiers stop the rot. His 54 came off 78 balls, with seven fours, proving that he can dig in when required. Dale Steyn contributed a more breezy 37, coming off 28 balls, with six fours and a six.
South Africa ended with a lead of six runs. But the Indians were untroubled by the South African bowling, reaching 92 without loss when the captains decided enough was enough.
