South Africa Emerging and Zimbabwe Emerging played out a draw on the final day of the unofficial second Test at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Saturday – a result that helped the tourists secure a 1-0 series win.
After losing the first Test by an innings, the hosts went into the final day of the clash well behind the game at 49 for none and trailing by 147. They managed to take the lead late in the day and eventually ended on 217 for four when the two captains shook hands.
Antum Naqvi completed a fine all-round match for the Zimbabweans, following his first innings century and six wickets with an unbeaten 65 (140 balls, 10 fours).
It was one of two half-centuries for the home side on the final day with skipper Takudzwanashe Kaitano top-scoring with 77 (203 balls, 11 fours, 1 six).
Only 63 overs were bowled on day four with 22 in the innings sent down by pick-of-the-bowlers, Jade de Klerk, who claimed two for 49.
The two teams will now play a three-match one-day series starting with the first game on Tuesday. All three matches are being played at the same venue in Bulawayo.
South Africa Emerging squad against Zimbabwe Emerging
Mihlali Mpongwana (captain, Western Province), Jade de Klerk (Border), Dian Forrester (Free State), Valentine Kitime (Western Province), Modiri Litheko (Titans), Tristan Luus (Dolphins), Dewan Marais (Easterns), Modiri Litheko (Titans), Andile Mogakane (Warriors), Nipho Mpungose (Free State), Caleb Seleka (North West), Lesego Senokwane (North West), Andile Simelane (Dolphins), Codi Yusuf (Lions), and Ntando Zuma (KZN Inland).
Tour Itinerary
Four-Day Matches
01 – 04 August
Zimbabwe Emerging lost to SA Emerging Men by an innings and 186 runs – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
07 – 10 August
Zimbabwe Emerging drew with SA Emerging Men – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
One-Day Matches
Tuesday, 13 August
Zimbabwe Emerging vs SA Emerging Men – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Thursday, 15 August
Zimbabwe Emerging vs SA Emerging Men – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Saturday, 17 August
Zimbabwe Emerging vs SA Emerging Men – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo