South Africa ‘A’ defeat Windies ‘A’ in thrilling series opener

GROS ISLET, St Lucia (CMC):

South Africa ‘A’ secured a workmanlike 42-run victory against West Indies ‘A’ in the first one-day match of their series at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium here Wednesday night.

With both teams fielding several first-time international players, the contest was expected to be a nervy one, with the visitors opting to field first in the day-night clash.

West Indies ‘A’ allowed the visitors to post a competitive 283 before being bowled out for 241 in 44.1 overs despite a spirited fightback at various stages.

The Proteas’ innings was anchored by three vital half-centuries with Jordan Hermann hitting 53 off 47 balls, wicketkeeper Sinethemba Qeshile 55, and a blistering 55 from Jason Smith, who smashed three fours and three sixes in a rapid 44-ball cameo.

Opener Rivaldo Moonsamy also impressed with a composed 49, including five fours and two sixes, forming a crucial 93-run partnership with Hermann.

West Indies ‘A’ struck early when Jediah Blades removed Lesego Senokwane for 4 in the second over, but Moonsamy and Hermann steadied the innings.

The hosts fought back as Darel Cyrus one for 53 and Kevlon Anderson two for 44 triggered a mini-collapse, reducing South Africa ‘A’ to 125-4. However, Qeshile and Smith reignited the innings with an 85-run stand, seemingly setting up a 300-plus total.

The Caribbean bowlers clawed back late, with Blades three for 39 and Kadeem Alleyne two for 44 dismantling the lower order, but the damage had been done.

In reply, the hosts struggled early, losing Kadeem Alleyne for 17 inside the power play. Captain Alick Athanaze with 33 and Kevlon Anderson with a dogged 45 off 47 balls briefly steadied the chase with a 61-run partnership, but once Athanaze fell to Mihlali Mpongwana, the innings unravelled.

A familiar middle-order collapse left West Indies ‘A reeling at 123-5 before Kevin Wickham chipped in with a fighting 39, and lower-order contributions from Kemol Savory 26, Darel Cyrus 28, and Marquino Mindley 27 injected late hope.

Cyrus and Mindley’s defiant 60-run ninth-wicket stand came too late as the hosts fell short.

South Africa A’s bowlers shared the wickets, with Mpongwana leading the charge, with three for 37 supported by Bjorn Fortuin two for 45 and Tshepo Moreki two for 20.