A 157-run eighth-wicket partnership between Ruan de Swardt and Schalk Engelbrecht has put South Africa “A” in an advantageous position at stumps on day two of the second Four Day game against the West Indies “A” at the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet.
The tourists dismissed the West Indies for 220 in 68.1 overs on Sunday’s first day. Alick Athanaze and Justin Greaves hit 65 and 57 to lead the West Indian charge with the bat against 4-62 off 18.1 overs of pace from de Swardt and 3-52 from 15 more overs of pace from Okuhle Cele.
South Africa entered Monday’s play 44-2 in 15 overs in reply and ended the day 324-7 in 102 overs, leading by 104 runs.
Night watchman Nqaba Peter got South African spirits up after an early onslaught from the West Indian bowlers with an even 50 off 108 balls before his wicket left the score at 167-7 in the 52nd over.
What followed was the unbeaten partnership from de Swardt and Engelbrecht that frustrated the hosts all the way through to the close of play.
De Swardt ended the day 83* off 135 balls while Engelbrecht will enter Tuesday on 77 off 174 balls.
Anderson Phillip has been the best West Indies “A” bowler thus far with 3-63 from 22 overs while Greaves has picked up 2-48 from 16 overs.
Summarized scores:
West Indies “A” 220 all out in 68.1 overs (Alick Athanaze 65, Justin Greaves 57, Kraigg Brathwaite 35, Ruan de Swardt 4-62, Okuhle Cele 3-52)
South Africa “A” 324-7 in 102 overs (Ruan de Swardt 83*, Schalk Engelbrecht 77*, Nqaba Peter 50, Anderson Phillip 3-63, Justin Greaves 2-48).