GROS ISLET, St. Lucia — A blistering century from Sinethemba Qeshile was not enough to produce a result, as persistent rain ended the second 50-over match between South Africa ‘A’ and West Indies ‘A’ prematurely at the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Qeshile’s enterprising 126 off 106 balls, studded with 18 fours and one six, powered South Africa to a formidable 365 for seven. However, just as the contest was gaining momentum, torrential rain intervened with the West Indies ‘A’ side on 87 for three in 13.1 overs, leaving the match abandoned without a result.
Qeshile anchors stunning South African comeback
South Africa ‘A’ were initially reeling at 68 for three, following a fiery opening burst by left-arm seamer Jediah Blades, who removed two key batsmen to give the West Indies an early advantage.
Enter Qeshile. Calm and composed, yet ruthlessly efficient, he joined forces with Jason Smith, who compiled a fluent 63, to mount a brilliant counterattack. Their 149-run partnership for the fourth wicket shifted the momentum dramatically, propelling the visitors to 217 for three by the 33rd over.
After Qeshile’s dismissal at the hands of Kadeem Alleyne, the late innings were ignited by Mihlali Mpongwana, whose unbeaten 56 off 36 balls added further flair to the South African innings. Ruan de Swardt contributed a handy 30, and Bjorn Fortuin chipped in with 21, ensuring the innings ended with a flourish.
Blades returned the most success for West Indies ‘A’, finishing with three for 61, while Alleyne supported with two for 62.
Early strikes rattle Windies top order
In pursuit of a daunting 366-run target, the West Indies ‘A’ line-up stumbled early under pressure from South Africa’s pace attack. Right-arm quick Tshepo Moreki made the initial breakthroughs, dismissing Kadeem Alleyne (14) and skipper Alick Athanaze (8), leaving the home side tottering at 26 for two.
The rebuilding effort came through Kevlon Anderson and Kevin Wickham, who added 48 runs for the third wicket before Mpongwana capped his strong all-round showing by removing Wickham for 29, caught behind.
With Anderson unbeaten on 28 and Shaqkere Parris at the crease on four not out, dark clouds gathered — and within moments, heavy showers swept across the ground, leaving umpires with no option but to call off the match.
Series decider set for tomorrow
With one match now washed out, all eyes turn to the third and final 50-over contest, scheduled for tomorrow. Both teams will be eager to leave a definitive mark in what has so far been an intriguing, albeit weather-interrupted, series.
Qeshile’s century was a statement — poised, aggressive, and commanding — but ultimately, it was nature that prevailed in St. Lucia.
