Patience is the key here - you can't get runs at a rate like in Australia or South Africa Graeme Smith

South Africa narrowly averted an embarrassing defeat to the Indian Board President's XI on the final day of their only warm-up match in India.

New boys Zander de Bruyn and Thami Tsolekile produced glimpses of their potential with the bat but the tourists ended on 172-8 in their second innings.

The match was drawn with South Africa ahead by 37 after the hosts had declared their first innings at 361-6.

Jacques Rudolph was run out for the second time in the match for 31.

Fellow opener de Bruyn, an international novice, top-scored with 35.

But South Africa crumbled from 62-0 to 122-6 after off-spinner Ramesh Powar had removed de Bruyn, Shaun Pollock (0) and Boeta Dippenaar (23).

The collapse continued as Hashim Amla and Justin Ontong both fell lbw shortly after reaching double figures.

New wicket-keeper Tsolekile withstood 65 deliveries, however, before being bowled by leg-spinner Sairaj Bahutule for 18 as something of a fightback finally emerged.

Bahutule also removed Andrew Hall for 15 but by then time was running out and with Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis available to bat out the last few overs there was to be no further success for the Indian bowlers.

South African coach Ray Jennings afterwards played down the significanceof their batting performance.

"This is not really a collapse. We were trying to give everyone a bat, that's why we shuffled the batting line-up," he said.

And skipper Smith added: "Our players have studied the conditions and have worked hard in the nets.

"We are in the process of cementing ideas and the way we plan to play.

"The advantage of having young guys in the team is that they are not scared of anything.

"The idea is to try to adjust fast, enjoy the game and make the most of opportunities that come your way."