Calcutta: India A were on the verge of losing the first four-day game against South Africa A as they struggled to reach 192 for six, chasing a target of 447, at stumps on the third day.

Ankit Bawne (46), who looked in good touch, fell to the last delivery of the day, giving a return catch to pacer Junior Dala.

India A require 255 on the final day with only four wickets in hand. Sudip Chatterjee, who opened the innings with Ravikumar Samarth, made 20 off 35 balls. Samarth (24), skipper Karun Nair (30), Ishan Kishan (39) all got starts but didn’t show enough intent to convert them into big scores.

Earlier, South Africa declared their second innings at 220 for 5 riding on impressive performances from skipper Aiden Markram (79) and Rudi Second (74).

Navdeep Saini with 3 for 20 was the most successful bowler for India in the second innings. India A's staring at defeat is mainly because of their poor, listless show with the bat in their first innings, where they got bundled out for a paltry 120. Beuran Hendricks and Dane Piedt shared six wickets among themselves as India A batsmen seemed to be having no clue whatseover.

Shreyas Iyer tried to hit back, but lack of support from the other end limited his contribution to just a 31.

Brief scores: South Africa A 346 & 220/5 decl (Aiden Markram 79, Rudi Second 74, Navdeep Saini 3/20). India A 120 & 192/6 (Sudip Chatterjee, Ishan Kishan 39, Karun Nair 30).