GROS ISLET – Sinethemba Qeshile struck a thrilling century for South Africa ‘A’, but it was in vain as rain forced a no-result in the second 50-over match against West Indies ‘A’ at the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium in St Lucia on Saturday (May 24).
Qeshile scored 126 from only 106 balls and was well-supported by half-centuries from Jason Smith and Mihlali Mpongwana as South Africa posted a competitive 365 for seven from their 50 overs.
West Indies then found themselves in a spot of bother at 87 for three after 13.1 overs, but the rains came and brought a premature end to the contest.
South Africa fast bowler Tshepo Moreki did the early damage, picking up the wickets of Kadeem Alleyne for 14 and captain Alick Athanaze for 8, to reduce the home side to 26 for two.
Kevlon Anderson and Kevin Wickham then added 48 runs for the third wicket before pacer Mihlali Mpongwana broke the partnership by having Wickham caught behind for 29.
The heavens opened up shortly after, with Anderson unbeaten on 28 and Shaqkere Parris on four not out.
Earlier, Qeshile led a sensational South Africa recovery after left-arm pacer Jediah Blades’ two wickets had reduced them to 68 for three.
But Qeshile and Smith, who scored 63, added 149 runs for the fourth wicket in quick time as South Africa motored to 217 for three in the 33rd over.
Kadeem Alleyne eventually dismissed Qeshile after he slammed 18 fours and one six, but Mpongwana hit an unbeaten 56 off just 36 balls, while Ruan de Swardt made 30 and Bjorn Fortuin 21, to ensure South Africa finished with a flourish.
Blades was West Indies’ best bowler with 3-61 while Alleyne took 2-62.
The third and final 50-over match is on Tuesday.
CMC
Summarised scores
SOUTH AFRICA A 365-7 in 50 overs (Sinethemba Qeshile 126, Jason Smith 63, Mihlali Mpongwana 56 not out, Marques Ackerman 30, Ruan de Swardt 30, Bjorn Fortuin 21; Jediah Blades 3-61, Kadeem Alleyne 2-62).
WEST INDIES A 87-3 in 13.1 overs (Kevlon Anderson 28 not out, Kevin Wickham 29, Kadeem Alleyne 14; Tshepo Moreki 2-29).
No result
