South Africa ‘A’ Secure Series Victory Against West Indies

South Africa ‘A’ clinched a convincing six-wicket victory over West Indies ‘A’ in the third and final 50-over match, securing a 2-0 series win. The match, held at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, saw South Africa chase down the West Indies’ total of 253 with remarkable ease, reaching 258 for four in just 34.5 overs. This dominant performance followed a rain-affected series where the first match resulted in a 42-run victory for South Africa ‘A’, while the second encounter was abandoned due to inclement weather.

West Indies ‘A’, opting to bat first after winning the toss, stumbled early, losing three wickets for a mere 16 runs in the powerplay. Fast bowler Okuhle Cele wreaked havoc, dismissing captain Alick Athanaze and Kevlon Anderson cheaply, while Kadeem Alleyne also fell early. This early collapse put the West Indies on the back foot, leaving them struggling to rebuild their innings.

Shaqkere Parris emerged as the anchor of the West Indies innings, forming crucial partnerships to resurrect their total. He first combined with Jyd Goolie (30) for a 78-run stand, stabilizing the innings and laying a foundation for a competitive score. Parris then continued his impressive knock, adding another 101 runs with Javelle Glenn, who played a counter-attacking innings of 52 off 49 balls, studded with four boundaries and three sixes. This partnership brought West Indies back into the game, taking them to a seemingly comfortable position at 195 for four.

However, Glenn’s dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse, as West Indies lost three wickets for 21 runs, including the crucial wicket of Parris. Parris, agonizingly close to a century, was dismissed by Ruan de Swardt for a well-played 96, his innings featuring 10 fours and two sixes. The lower order failed to capitalize on the established platform, and despite a late cameo of 26 from Khary Pierre, West Indies were restricted to 253, adding only 16 runs in the final five overs due to disciplined South African bowling. Cele finished with impressive figures of 3-29, while de Swardt (2-35) and Tshepo Moreki (2-41) provided valuable support.

South Africa ‘A’ launched their chase with a solid opening partnership of 31 runs between Jordan Hermann and Rivaldo Moonsamy. However, it was the second-wicket partnership between Moonsamy and captain Marques Ackerman that truly shifted the momentum in their favor. They constructed a commanding 140-run stand, dominating the West Indies bowlers and taking the game away from the hosts. Ackerman played a fluent innings of 71, while Moonsamy anchored the chase with a near-century knock.

Although Ackerman’s dismissal at 171 for two provided a glimmer of hope for the West Indies, Moonsamy continued his onslaught. Despite losing Sinethemba Qeshile (16) and eventually falling just short of his century for 94, Moonsamy’s innings, comprising 15 fours and a six, had laid the foundation for a comfortable victory. Jason Smith (35 not out) and de Swardt (13 not out) then saw South Africa ‘A’ home with an unbroken 50-run partnership, ensuring a comprehensive series victory. Ojay Shields was the pick of the West Indies bowlers, finishing with figures of 2-44.