West Indies ‘A’ faces uphill battle as South Africa ‘A’ dominates on penultimate day

West Indies ‘A’ found themselves facing a formidable challenge on the final day of the second four-day “Test” against South Africa ‘A’ in East London, as their opponents dominated the penultimate day’s play at Buffalo Park.

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Set a massive target of 442 runs for victory, the visiting team endured yet another top-order collapse, finishing the day at 134 for five in their second innings, with a daunting 307 runs still needed for a win.

Opener Zachary McCaskie was a standout performer, contributing his second half-century of the game with a composed 50 runs. Kavem Hodge added 22 runs to the total, but the rest of the batting line-up faltered, primarily due to the consistent bowling of off-spinner Dane Piedt, who claimed three wickets for 57 runs, building on his five-wicket haul from the first innings.

Brisk and unbeaten 112 runs

The morning’s play saw South Africa ‘A’ continue to thrive, with Keegan Petersen playing a pivotal role by scoring a brisk and unbeaten 112 runs. The South African innings was declared at 297 for four, thanks to significant contributions from Raynard van Tonder (56), Khaya Zondo (49), and Tony de Zorzi (37).

De Zorzi, who had resumed his innings on 34 not out, could only add three runs before departing. Petersen took charge of the innings, forming valuable partnerships, including a 64-run stand with van Tonder, a 101-run partnership with Zondo, and an unbroken 57-run, fifth-wicket partnership with Ruan de Swardt (29 not out).

Petersen’s innings spanned 134 deliveries, featuring 10 boundaries and five sixes. Van Tonder struck five fours and a six in his 74-ball knock, while Zondo’s contribution included seven fours from 62 deliveries.

Windies began run chase on a shaky note

West Indies ‘A’ began their challenging run chase on a shaky note, losing two wickets quickly after tea to reach 27 for two. Left-handed opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul fell without scoring in the second over, caught behind while attempting to drive a wide delivery from seamer Ruan de Swardt. Kirk McKenzie, who was unbeaten on 13 at tea with the team at 23 for one, was bowled through the gate defensively by Piedt shortly after the break.

McCaskie and Hodge then partnered to stabilize the innings, posting a 59-run stand for the third wicket. McCaskie registered seven boundaries in his 90-ball innings, while Hodge contributed 22 runs off 50 balls, featuring three fours.

Seamer Tshepo Moreki broke the partnership by dismissing Hodge, and McCaskie followed soon after, dismissed LBW while attempting a pull shot against Piedt. Captain Joshua Da Silva’s stumping off Piedt for five runs added to West Indies ‘A’ woes, as they lost three wickets for just 32 runs in a swift decline.