India ‘A’ defeated host South Africa ‘A’ by 18 runs in their round-robin encounter of the tri-series tournament here on Friday.

In a match reduced to 38-overs-a-side due to rain, India amassed 309 for five, thanks to Shikhar Dhawan (85), Rohit Sharma (65), Suresh Raina (60) and Ambati Rayudu (57).

In reply, South Africa ‘A’ made 258 for five in 34.4 overs when rain stopped play. The D-L par score was 276 at that point.

Talented Jammu and Kashmir off-spinner Parveez Rasool (two for 47 off six overs) made an impact after getting a look-in finally.

In his second over, Rasool removed the rampaging openers Reeza Hendricks (30, 31b, 4x4) and Rilee Rossouw (47, 33b, 5x4, 2x6), who added 77 off the first 10 overs. Dean Elgar (84, 72b, 7x4, 2x6) and Vaughn van Jaarsveld (69, 61b, 5x4, 3x6) didn’t let the tempo drop, adding 149 in 21 overs.

Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem (two for 49) then turned the tables in India’s favour as he castled Jaarsveld and had Elgar caught by Jaydev Unadkat.

Earlier, Dhawan blazed his way to 85 (67b, 10x4, 3x6) while Rohit made 65 (65b, 5x4, 2x6). Raina (60, 34b, 7x4, 2x6) and Rayudu (57, 38b, 5x4, 3x6) then added 89 for the fourth wicket.

The scores: India ‘A’ 309 for five in 38 overs (Shikhar Dhawan 85, Rohit Sharma 65, Suresh Raina 60, Ambati Rayudu 57) bt South Africa 258 for five in 34.4 overs (Dean Elgar 84, Vaughn van Jaarsveld 69), via D-L method.