Mandeep Singh brought on to field for South Africa 'A' against India 'A'

Mandeep Singh fielding for South Africa ‘A’

The rarest of rare incidents was played out during the India ‘A’ vs South Africa ‘A’ one day match on Sunday, when the Indian side’s 12th man Mandeep Singh fielded for the South African side. South Africa ‘A’ had four players indisposed with stomach bugs and cramps during the match, bringing about this unique gesture.

The visiting side already had their video analyst Hendrikus Coertzen fielding for them when the RCB batsman was brought on, sporting the name of Eddie Leie on the back of his jersey.

Mandeep had not made it into the playing XI on the day, with Mayank Agarwal preferred by coach Rahul Dravid.

India A claim bonus point win

India ‘A’ openers Agarwal and Unmukt Chand scored 130 and 90 respectively, making light work of the target of 245, helping the team chase it down in 37.4 overs.

At the end of the match, Manish Pandey hugged Karun Nair, and Mandeep joined in the celebrations – the trio presenting a curious scene on the pitch owing to their jersey colours.

India A thus opened their account and this bonus-point win may turn out to be crucial in their push to reach the tri-nation series final. They lost their first match to Australia ‘A’, but are ahead of the South African side, who are winless.

Mandeep Singh, is that you? https://t.co/uAOXNOmmmM

— Pramod Ananth (@pramz) August 9, 2015

Hahahaha Mandeep Singh as d 12th man for Ind and now he is d 16th man of SA !!

— Ranjan (@iranjan70) August 9, 2015

Mandeep Singh in SA jersey fielding for them. pic.twitter.com/ymIigMQVxA

— Aravind (@netcitizen) August 9, 2015

Dravid sent in Ind A's 12th man Mandeep Singh to get dressed in SA jersey to complete SA's fielding XI #IndAvsSAA pic.twitter.com/JUDQ38ysd2

— Susruth Sirupa (@SusruthS) August 9, 2015

Mandeep Singh is fielding? Sigh. Nothing has changed in a 100 years. South Africans have got an Indian to work in their field.

— Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) August 9, 2015