West Indies ‘A’ falters despite McCaskie’s fifty, as South Africa ‘A’ seizes control of second ‘Test’

In East London, South Africa, West Indies ‘A’ faced a tough challenge in the second four-day “Test” at Buffalo Park. Opener Zachary McCaskie displayed an impressive half-century, but it was not enough to prevent West Indies ‘A’ from experiencing a first-innings batting collapse, giving South Africa ‘A’ control of the match.

In response to the hosts’ total of 298 all out, West Indies ‘A’ struggled as they went from 104 for two to be dismissed for 154, despite McCaskie’s top score of 62. The chief tormentor for South Africa ‘A’ was off-spinner Dane Piedt, who claimed an impressive five wickets for just 28 runs.

With a lead of 144 runs in hand, South Africa ‘A’ finished day two at 65 for one, establishing an overall lead of 209 runs heading into Thursday’s penultimate day of the match. Captain Neil Brand fell early, scoring just four runs, but Tony de Zorzi (34 not out) and Raynard van Tonder (20 not out) steadied the innings with a partnership of 42 runs for the second wicket.

Windies ‘A’ had earlier taken the last 4 South African wickets for 32 runs

West Indies ‘A’ had earlier performed well by dismissing the last four South African wickets for just 32 runs, after the hosts had resumed the day on 266 for six. Ruan de Swardt, who remained unbeaten on 25, contributed 42 runs before being the ninth wicket to fall, with new-ball seamer Akeem Jordan finishing with three wickets for 43 runs. Fast bowler Shamar Joseph added another three wickets to his tally, concluding with figures of three for 57.

McCaskie, aged 27, provided stability for West Indies ‘A’ with partnerships of 25 runs with Tagenarine Chanderpaul (3) and 27 runs with Kirk McKenzie (7). He then shared a crucial 52-run partnership for the third wicket with Kavem Hodge (25). However, the batting order collapsed in successive overs, with Hodge falling victim to Piedt and McCaskie holing out to deep square while attempting a pull shot.

Captain Joshua Da Silva (7) also fell during this collapse, as he edged a forward defensive shot to the short leg off Piedt, extending his lean run in the series. West Indies ‘A’ lost their last eight wickets for just 50 runs, leaving them with a challenging task ahead in the match.