In a closely contested first ‘Test’ between West Indies ‘A’ and South Africa ‘A’ in Benoni, South Africa, bowlers from the West Indies ‘A’ team set up a challenging chase of 224 runs for victory.
Openers Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Zachary McCaskie displayed resolute batting to ensure a solid start for the Caribbean side.
Chanderpaul and McCaskie, the West Indies ‘A’ openers, displayed determination as they batted through four overs without losing a wicket before the close of play. McCaskie remained unbeaten on five, while Chanderpaul was not out on one, taking their team to eight without loss at stumps on the third day.
Bowlers Shine for West Indies ‘A’
Earlier in the day, the West Indies ‘A’ bowlers put up an impressive performance, defying a century from South Africa ‘A’ captain Neil Brand. Brand’s resilient knock of 104, which included 14 fours and spanned nearly six hours, proved to be the standout innings of the South African second innings.
Akeem Jordan was the most successful bowler for West Indies ‘A,’ claiming three wickets for 58 runs from 22 overs. He received support from fellow pacers Shermon Lewis and Jayden Seales, along with off-spinner Kevin Sinclair, who each took two wickets.
West Indies ‘A’ put South Africa ‘A’ under pressure early in the day, with Jayden Seales getting an early breakthrough by dismissing opener Tony de Zorzi for a duck. Despite a partnership of 64 runs between Zubayr Hamza and Neil Brand for the second wicket, South Africa ‘A’ lost crucial wickets at key moments.
Brand’s Century Standout
Neil Brand’s century, which came from 202 balls, played a pivotal role in stabilizing the South African innings. He was well-supported by David Bedingham, who contributed 23 runs. However, West Indies ‘A’ bowlers continued to chip away at the South African batting line-up.
With South Africa ‘A’ reaching a total of 250 in their second innings, the stage is set for a tense battle on the final day of the first ‘Test.’ West Indies ‘A’ will be looking to chase down the target of 224 runs to secure victory, while South Africa ‘A’ will aim to defend their total and claim victory.
The match at Willowmoore Park has provided cricket fans with an intriguing contest, and the final day promises to be a test of skill, determination, and nerves for both teams.
