GROS ISLET, Saint Lucia — An inspired batting display from Rivaldo Moonsamy and captain Marques Ackerman ensured South Africa ‘A’ sealed a 2-0 series win over West Indies ‘A’, coasting to a six-wicket victory in the third and final 50-over match at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
In pursuit of the hosts’ total of 253, the visitors raced to 258 for four in just 34.5 overs, showcasing dominance in both batting and composure under pressure.
Moonsamy’s masterclass and Ackerman’s assurance
Though Moonsamy narrowly missed out on a maiden century, falling for a sublime 94 off 91 balls with 15 boundaries and a six, his knock laid the foundation for South Africa’s emphatic victory. His 140-run second-wicket stand with skipper Ackerman, who contributed a fluent 71, crushed any hopes of a West Indies comeback.
The pair took “complete control of the contest,” turning a moderate start into a near-flawless pursuit.
Ackerman’s innings, punctuated with elegant strokeplay, came to an end in the 23rd over when Johann Layne found the breakthrough, but the damage was already done.
West Indies falter despite Parris’s brilliance
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, West Indies ‘A’ quickly found themselves reeling at 16 for three in the sixth over, undone by incisive pace bowling from Okuhle Cele, who claimed the key wickets of Alick Athanaze and Kevlon Anderson.
Enter Shaqkere Parris, who staged a brave revival. First, he stitched a 78-run stand with Jyd Goolie (30), followed by a dynamic 101-run partnership with Javelle Glenn. Glenn’s brisk 52 off 49 balls, decorated with four boundaries and three sixes, brought the crowd to life.
At 195 for four in the 38th over, West Indies appeared poised for a strong finish. But Glenn’s dismissal triggered a fatal collapse, as three wickets tumbled for just 21 runs — including the vital scalp of Parris, who was dismissed for a valiant 96 off 111 deliveries by Ruan de Swardt.
Parris’s innings, laced with 10 fours and two sixes, was the backbone of the West Indies effort — but it lacked a finishing touch.
Khary Pierre offered late resistance with an unbeaten 26 off 25 balls, but the hosts could only manage 16 runs from the final five overs.
South Africa’s bowlers lay the groundwork
South Africa’s disciplined bowling set the tone for the day. Cele starred with figures of 3-29, while de Swardt (2-35) and Tshepo Moreki (2-41) provided critical breakthroughs that stymied West Indies’ late surge.
The bowling unit’s ability to shut down the scoring in the final overs proved pivotal, restricting the hosts to a subpar finish.
Finishing touches: Smith and de Swardt seal the deal
Even after losing Moonsamy (lbw to Ojay Shields) and Sinethemba Qeshile (trapped in front by Khary Pierre), the visitors remained unfazed. Jason Smith’s unbeaten 35 and a steady 13 not out from de Swardt completed the chase with a composed 50-run partnership, denying West Indies any final opening.
Shields, with 2-44, emerged as the most effective West Indian bowler, but lacked the support required to stall South Africa’s charge.
