(CMC) – Rookie fast bowler Shamar Joseph completed an impressive five-wicket haul, but not for the first time. West Indies-A were facing a mammoth task in saving the final four-day “test” against South Africa-A yesterday.
The tourists were never in the contest after South Africa-A, resuming their overnight 104 for three and piling up 272 for five, with Zubayr Hamza blasting an unbeaten 110 and Ruan de Swardt, a robust 86.
Joseph added the only two wickets to fall to end with five for 76 and an eight-wicket match haul.
Set an improbable 442 for victory, West Indies-A lost Zachary McCaskie for eight before left-hander Kirk McKenzie counter-attacked with a bold, unbeaten 26, as they finished the penultimate day on 47 for one.
They require a further 374 runs to win on today’s final day.
Joseph struck in the second over of the day at Mangaung Oval when he had Khaya Zondo caught at the wicket for 31 after adding just two to his overnight score.
Success was limited thereafter as Hamza and de Swardt dominated the West Indies-A attack in a 159-run, fifth wicket stand.
Hamza, who played the last of his six Tests 22 months ago, struck a dozen fours and a six in an innings requiring 152 balls and 4½ hours.
De Swardt, meanwhile, counted nine fours and a six while facing 126 deliveries in a shade over 2¾ hours at the crease.
Joseph ended the stand when he trapped de Swardt, triggering South Africa’s declaration.
West Indies-A then lost McCaskie cheaply for eight to a catch at the wicket, fishing at a wide delivery from fast bowler Dane Paterson, to find themselves on 14 for one.
McKenzie pushed back, however, belting two fours and two sixes to dominate a 33-run, second-inning partnership with fellow left-hander Tagenarine Chanderpaul (11 not out), which took the visitors safely to the close.