Rain Washes Out Play Despite Qeshile’s 126 for South Africa ‘A’

The second 50-over match between South Africa ‘A’ and West Indies ‘A’ at the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium in St Lucia ended in a no-result due to persistent rain, despite a scintillating century by South African wicketkeeper-batsman, Sinethemba Qeshile. Qeshile’s blistering knock of 126 off just 106 balls, punctuated by 18 fours and a six, formed the cornerstone of South Africa’s imposing total of 365 for seven in their allotted 50 overs. His innings, combined with supporting half-centuries from Jason Smith and Mihlali Mpongwana, placed South Africa in a commanding position before the intervention of rain curtailed the West Indies’ response.

South Africa’s innings began with a stutter, losing three early wickets with just 68 runs on the board, courtesy of a double strike by West Indies’ left-arm pacer, Jediah Blades. However, Qeshile and Smith orchestrated a remarkable recovery, forging a 149-run partnership for the fourth wicket that dramatically shifted the momentum in South Africa’s favor. Their aggressive batting display propelled the score past 200 within 33 overs, laying a solid foundation for a formidable total. Even after Qeshile’s eventual dismissal, Mpongwana’s unbeaten 56 off a mere 36 balls, along with contributions from Ruan de Swardt (30) and Bjorn Fortuin (21), ensured South Africa maintained their attacking impetus, finishing their innings on a high.

The West Indies’ run chase started precariously, losing early wickets to South African fast bowler, Tshepo Moreki. Moreki’s dismissal of openers Kadeem Alleyne (14) and captain Alick Athanaze (8) left the West Indies reeling at 26 for two. A brief period of stability followed, with Kevlon Anderson and Kevin Wickham adding 48 runs for the third wicket, offering a glimmer of hope for the home side. However, Mpongwana’s breakthrough, removing Wickham for 29, exposed the West Indies’ middle order once again.

With the West Indies at 87 for three after 13.1 overs, the heavens opened, forcing the players off the field. The persistent rain prevented any further play, ultimately leading to the abandonment of the match. Kevlon Anderson remained unbeaten on 28, while Shaqkere Parris was on four not out when the rain intervened. The premature conclusion left the match hanging in the balance, with neither team able to secure a decisive result.

Jediah Blades emerged as the most successful bowler for the West Indies, claiming three wickets for 61 runs, while Kadeem Alleyne chipped in with two wickets for 62 runs. Despite their efforts, the West Indies bowlers struggled to contain the South African batsmen, particularly Qeshile, whose century proved to be the defining performance of the rain-affected encounter.

The shared points from the no-result leave the series poised for a thrilling decider in the third and final 50-over match. Both teams will be eager to claim victory and secure bragging rights in the series. South Africa will look to replicate their batting dominance from the second match, while the West Indies will aim for a more disciplined bowling performance and a stronger batting display to chase down any target set by the visitors. The final match promises to be a closely contested affair, with both teams vying for a winning end to the series. The performance of Qeshile will undoubtedly be a key factor for South Africa, while the West Indies will need their batsmen to step up and deliver a more substantial performance in the decisive encounter.