GROS ISLET, St Lucia – South Africa ‘A’ stormed to the brink of victory on day three of the second unofficial Test against West Indies ‘A’ at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, courtesy of a devastating fast-bowling display from Mihlali Mpongwana and Tshepo Moreki.
Having earned a significant first-innings advantage of 112 runs, the Proteas’ pace pair combined for seven second-innings wickets, decimating the Caribbean batting order and dismissing the hosts for a meager 211. South Africa ‘A’ then moved confidently to 68 for two at stumps on Tuesday, needing only 32 more runs on the final day Wednesday, to clinch the two-match series 2-0.
South Africa’s tail closes out, Windies falter early
The day began with South Africa ‘A’ resuming their innings on 324 for seven, looking to stretch their lead. However, the tail was quickly wrapped up. Schalk Engelbrecht, who had impressed with a composed 77 on day two, was dismissed by Shamar Joseph without adding to his score. Ruan de Swardt added just three runs to his overnight 83 before falling to Anderson Phillip.
The visitors were bowled out for 332, a total built around gritty middle-order batting but capped effectively by West Indies ‘A’. Phillip spearheaded the effort with a well-earned 5-67, while Justin Greaves supported with 2-48.
Campbell resists, but support evaporates
With a 112-run deficit, West Indies ‘A’ needed a robust response. John Campbell looked up to the task, crafting a determined 59 off 86 deliveries, anchoring the innings with flashes of authority. But the top order collapsed around him. The experienced Kraigg Brathwaite and talented Alick Athanaze both fell for ducks, as the Windies slumped to 113 for six.
There were brief flickers of resistance. Kevlon Anderson (20), Jewel Andrew (12), and Tevin Imlach (10) all got starts but failed to convert. The lower order salvaged some pride—captain Jomel Warrican’s unbeaten 39, Johann Layne’s 34, and Shamar Joseph’s 20 lifted the total to 211, avoiding a complete collapse.
Still, the damage had been done. Mpongwana tore through the middle order with 4-52, while Moreki’s relentless lines yielded 3-51. Okuhle Cele also chipped in, claiming 2-26 to accelerate the demise.
Joseph strikes, but Ackerman and Qeshile respond
Chasing just 100 runs for victory, South Africa ‘A’ briefly wobbled. Shamar Joseph, full of fire, struck twice in quick succession—removing Lesego Senokwane and Jordan Hermann to reduce the visitors to 30 for two.
But calm heads prevailed. Marques Ackerman (20 not out) and Sinethemba Qeshile (19 not out) steadied the chase, guiding South Africa ‘A’ to 68 without further loss. Their composed partnership left the tourists within touching distance of a clean sweep.
Joseph finished the day with 2-40, but barring a miracle on the final day, the home side faces a certain defeat.
With momentum firmly in their grasp and just 32 runs separating them from victory, South Africa ‘A’ are on course to end the series undefeated. For West Indies ‘A’, it will take an extraordinary morning with the ball to avoid a series whitewash.
