GROS ISLET, St. Lucia — A blistering century from Sinethemba Qeshile was not sufficient to supply a end result, as persistent rain ended the second 50-over match between South Africa ‘A’ and West Indies ‘A’ prematurely on 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. Nonetheless, simply as the competition was gaining momentum, torrential rain intervened with the West Indies ‘A’ aspect on 87 for 3 in 13.1 overs, leaving the match deserted with out a end result.
Qeshile anchors gorgeous South African comeback
South Africa ‘A’ have been initially reeling at 68 for 3, following a fiery opening burst by left-arm seamer Jediah Blades, who eliminated two key batsmen to offer the West Indies an early benefit.
Enter Qeshile. Calm and composed, but ruthlessly environment friendly, he joined forces with Jason Smith, who compiled a fluent 63, to mount an excellent counterattack. Their 149-run partnership for the fourth wicket shifted the momentum dramatically, propelling the guests to 217 for 3 by the thirty third over.
After Qeshile’s dismissal by the hands of Kadeem Alleyne, the late innings have been ignited by Mihlali Mpongwana, whose unbeaten 56 off 36 balls added additional aptitude to the South African innings. Ruan de Swardt contributed a helpful 30, and Bjorn Fortuin chipped in with 21, making certain the innings ended with a flourish.
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Blades returned probably the most success for West Indies ‘A’, ending with three for 61, whereas Alleyne supported with two for 62.
Early strikes rattle Windies high order
In pursuit of a frightening 366-run goal, the West Indies ‘A’ line-up stumbled early below stress from South Africa’s tempo assault. Proper-arm fast Tshepo Moreki made the preliminary breakthroughs, dismissing Kadeem Alleyne (14) and skipper Alick Athanaze (8), leaving the house aspect tottering at 26 for 2.
The rebuilding effort got here via Kevlon Anderson and Kevin Wickham, who added 48 runs for the third wicket earlier than Mpongwana capped his sturdy all-round displaying by eradicating Wickham for 29, caught behind.
With Anderson unbeaten on 28 and Shaqkere Parris on the crease on 4 not out, darkish clouds gathered — and inside moments, heavy showers swept throughout the bottom, leaving umpires with no choice however to name off the match.
Sequence decider set for tomorrow
With one match now washed out, all eyes flip to the third and ultimate 50-over contest, scheduled for tomorrow. Each groups will probably be keen to depart a definitive mark in what has to this point been an intriguing, albeit weather-interrupted, sequence.
Qeshile’s century was an announcement — poised, aggressive, and commanding — however in the end, it was nature that prevailed in St. Lucia.
