South Africa A managed to clinch the Test series against West Indies with a 76-run win in the final match in Bloemfontein.
An exceptional match unfolded at the Mangaung Oval.
South Africa chose to bat first and scored 274 in their first innings, thanks to two half-centuries – 62 from Neil Brand and 70 from Khaya Zondo.
A top-class bowling performance from SA A followed as they skittled the Windies for 126, Dane Paterson leading the way with four wickets.
With a lead over a hundred, South Africa’s 2nd innings did not get off to the start they desired, as they lost their top three for 45 runs. They then lost Khaya Zondo a little while later for 31 they crept past the 100-run mark, which took their lead past 200.
It was an incredible partnership of 159 runs between Zubayr Hamza (110* off 152 balls) and Ruan de Swardt (86 off 126 balls) that put South Africa in a very strong position, the West Indies needing 421 to win.
The visitors put on a brilliant fight with the bat, largely thanks to two batters. Kirk McKenzie took his team to 126 with his 81 off 94 balls, and the Windies’ captain Joshua Da Silva fought valiantly for his 110 off 138 balls.
The West Indies managed to reach a score of 344, but it wasn’t enough, as Paterson starred again with the ball with 4-66.
South Africa A claimed a 76-run win and the series 2-1.
