West Indies A on the backfoot as South Africa A holds command 252-run lead at the end of day two

By Sports Desk December 06, 2023
Kevin Sinclair struck an even 50 to go with his five-wicket haul. Kevin Sinclair struck an even 50 to go with his five-wicket haul.

Kevin Sinclair continues to demonstrate his all-round prowess, as he followed up his day one five-wicket haul with another half century, but it wasn't enough for West Indies A to slow the progress of their South African counterparts, who hold a commanding 252-run lead heading into Thursday's third day of action in their third four-day unofficial Test at Mangaung Oval.

The South Africans, who posted 274 runs on day one, bundled out West Indies A for another paltry 126 to take a 148-run first innings lead, which they added to, as they reached 104 for three in their second innings at the close of the second day on Wednesday.

Scores: South Africa A 274 & 104-3; West Indies A 126

Only Sinclair with his 68-ball 50, and Jamaican Jordan Johnson (33), offered little resistance to South Africa's bowling attack in West Indies A's dismal first innings, as they along with Zachary McCaskie (19), were the only batsmen to get into double figures. Dante Paterson led the onslaught with four wickets for 34 runs.

In their second turn at bat, South Africa lost captain Neil Brand (four) to Shamar Joseph, who made early inroads, as he also accounted for Raynard van Tonder (30) and David Bedingham (six), to give West Indies some semblance of hope of clawing their way back into the contest.

However, Zubayr Hamza, unbeaten on 33, and Khaya Zondo, unbeaten on 29, steadied things out with a 59-run fourth-wicket stand.

Josephs three for 26 so far, adds to his three for 65 in the first innings.

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