Andile Mogakane claimed four wickets for South Africa Emerging on the opening day of the second unofficial test against Zimbabwe Emerging but it was the hosts who held a slight advantage in Bulawayo on Wednesday.
This after Antum Naqvi’s unbeaten century (130 off 211 balls, 21 fours, 1 six) helped them reach the close on 307 for six after they won the toss and batted first at Queens Sports Club.
There was also 90 (165 balls, 13 fours, 1 six) from captain Takudzwanashe Kaitano, while Nicholas Welch blazed 46 off 36 balls to start the innings in a match the home side must win if they want to take anything away from the series.
South Africa, who won the opening unofficial test of the two-match series convincingly, were put under pressure from the start thanks to openers Kaitano and Welch after they put on 62 inside the opening 11 overs to give their side a strong start.
A double blow from Mogakane – first he removed Welch and followed that by taking out Larvet Masunda (5) – then pulled the tourists back with the score on 76 for two. However, the skipper and Naqvi put on an assured 133 for the third wicket to put their side in control.
Another twin strike by Mogakane, who ended with four for 42, again threatened to alter the course of the innings with Kaitano and Alistair Frost (0) his victims.
Caleb Seleka (1/76) also took a wicket at that stage when he dismissed wicketkeeper Ryan Kamwemba for one leaving Zimbabwe on 218 for five.
But again there was a partnership of substance as Naqvi and Ronak Patel (19) put on 62 for the sixth wicket, before the latter was removed by Andile Simelane (1/37).
The former was still there at the close, helping the home side cross 300 and end proceedings in a strong position.
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), 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
1 - 4 August
Zimbabwe Emerging lost to SA Emerging Men by an innings and 186 runs - Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
7 - 10 August
Zimbabwe Emerging v SA Emerging Men - Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
One-Day Matches
Tuesday, 13 August
Zimbabwe Emerging v SA Emerging Men - Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Thursday, 15 August
Zimbabwe Emerging v SA Emerging Men - Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Saturday, 17 August
Zimbabwe Emerging v SA Emerging Men - Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo