GROS ISLET, St Lucia, CMC – Fast bowlers Mihlali Mpongwana and Tshepo Moreki put South Africa ‘A’ in prime position to push for victory against West Indies ‘A’ on Wednesday’s final day in the second unofficial ‘Test’ match here at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium.
After securing a crucial first-innings lead of 112, Mpongwana and Moreki then shared seven wickets between them to dismiss West Indies ‘A’ for a paltry 211 in their second innings.
Requiring just 100 runs for victory, South Africa ‘A’ ended the third day on 68 for two, needing only 32 more runs to sweep the two-match series.
South Africa ‘A’ added just eight runs to their overnight total of 324 for seven to be dismissed for 332.
Shamar Joseph dismissed Schalk Engelbrecht without adding a run to his overnight total of 77, while Ruan de Swardt, who began the day on 83, added three runs before losing his wicket to Anderson Phillip.
For West Indies, ‘A’ Phillip ended with 5-67 while Justin Greaves took 2-48.
Opener John Campbell then hit a resolute 59 off 86 balls but got little help from the top order as Kraigg Brathwaite and Alick Athanaze made ducks. In contrast, Kevlon Anderson made 20, Jewel Andrew 12, and Tevin Imlach went for 10 as the home side found themselves precariously placed at 113 for six.
It took an unbeaten knock of 39 from captain Jomel Warrican, 34 from last man Johann Layne, and 20 from Joseph to get them to their eventual total.
Mpongwana claimed 4-52, Moreki 3-51, while Okuhle Cele chipped in with 2-26.
Shamar Joseph claimed the wickets of Lesego Senokwane and Jordan Hermann to leave South Africa 30 for two, but Marques Ackerman (20 not out) and Sinethemba Qeshile (19 not out) steadied the ship. Joseph has so far taken 2-40.
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