Steyn makes Indians strain

Earlier, Anil Kumble and Zaheer Khan made a strong statement but India let South Africa 8216;A8217; off the hook in the tour opener. The Indians failed to deliver the killer punch as South Africa 8216;A8217; recovered from a top order collapse to post a challenging 255/8 in the day-night clash at the Willowmoore Park.

Zaheer 3-43 and Kumble 2-31 triggered a middle order collapse to reduce the hosts to 116 for six but half-centuries from Jacques Rudolph and Albie Morkel got the South Africans out of the hole. Rudolph hammered a thunderous 72 not out that came from 53 balls and contained seven fours and two sixes. The left-hander added 96 runs for the crucial seventh wicket with Morkel who made an equally pugnacious 57 with five fours and three sixes. Thanks to the duo8217;s brilliant counter-attack, South Africa 8216;A8217; rebounded from losing three wickets in the space of six balls after being placed at 114 for three at one stage. India suffered a setback when Virender Sehwag suffered a cut in his middle finger and was ruled out of the match.

Brief scores: South Africa A 255 for 8 A Peterson 38, N McKenzie 47, A Prince 31, J Rudolph 72 no, A Morkel 57; Pathan 1/38, Munaf 1/63, Zaheer 3/43, Sreesanth 0/62, Kumble 2/31 vs India 183/8 after 42 overs Kaif 30, Steyn 4/21, Thomas 2/29.