India A lose despite Yuvraj ton

A cultured hundred from Yuvraj Singh failed to prevent India 'A' from slumping to a eight-wicket defeat on the final day of their four-day match against South Africa 'A' at the Goodyear Park, Bloemfontein.

The tourists, who began the day on 87 for three, lost vice-captain Mohammad Kaif with the score on 107. Kaif made 46 off 106 balls with eight fours.

Yurvaj, however, continued to blossom, building on his overnight score of seven. But at the other end the wickets continued to fall at regular intervals as South Africa 'A' began to close in on victory. Abhijit Kale departed for 15, Parthiv Patel made just 12, and India 'A' were soon reduced to 171 for six.

Lakshmipathy Balaji, who made a gutsy 37 in the first innings, could not reprise his daredevilry again, being dismissed for just four. Murali Kartik, meanwhile, failed for the first time in the match as India sank deeper into the mire.

Yuvraj, who had played with commendable application and patience in the midst of all this, then revived Indian hopes in the company of number 10 Amit Mishra. The duo put on 51 runs for the ninth wicket, Mishra contributing just nine of those runs.

Yuvraj brought up his hundred during the course of the partnership, showing yet again that he is now ready for higher honours. But after Mishra's dismissal, followed by that of Yuvraj, the Indian second innings ended at 251.

For South Africa 'A,' fast bowlers Dewald Pretorius and Andre Nel claimed three wickets each.

The home team, who needed just 74 runs to seal an outright win, eased past the target for the loss of just two wickets.