Krishnagiri (Kerala), Aug 21 (IANS): Coming into the fourth and final day's play with an outside chance to save the match, right-hand batsman Karun Nair took everyone by surprise as he struck an impressive century alongside Vijay Shankar's unbeaten 74 to help India A manage a draw against South Africa A in their first four-day cricket match at the Krishnagiri Stadium here on Friday.
Needing 371 runs to win with eight wickets in hand on the final day, Nair (144 not out) and Shankar put on an unbeaten 148-run partnership to take India A to 309/4 at stumps to ensure a draw.
Resuming the day at 73/2, India A looked positive right from the word go in the second innings. Overnight batsman Abhinav Mukund (65) completed his half-century to keep India A's hopes alive for a draw.
The visitors got their first break when Rayudu, after scoring an 82-ball 15, headed back to the pavilion.
Incoming batsman Nair gave good support to Mukund as the duo helped the team go past the 150-run mark. As both looked to get settled, right-arm spinner Dane Piedt got the better of set batsman Mukund, thus putting the hosts in trouble at 161/4.
But Shankar with Nair made things look simple, scoring runs with ease as South Africa A bowlers found it difficult to break the partnership.
Scoring at a modest pace, the duo came near to close the day, remaining unbeaten and ensuring a thrilling finish to the match.
Nair hit 18 fours and one six while Shankar struck 12 boundaries.
The final day surely belonged to India A but the rest of the match belonged mostly to the visitors as both their bowling and batting clicked when it mattered.
Earlier South Africa A had scored 542 in first innings. In reply India A were bowled out for 204. South Africa A without imposing a follow on came on to bat in the second innings and set a target of 444 for India.
The second four-day match begins on August 25.
Brief scores: South Africa A 542 & 105/1 declared vs India A 204 & 309/4 (Karun Nair 114 not out, Vijay Shankar 74 not out, Abhinav Mukund 65; Keshav Maharaj 2/79)