Jordan Hermann struck a superb century as South Africa A took command on day two of the second unofficial test against England Lions at The Kent County Ground in Beckenham.
The Dafabet Warriors batter made 103 (111 balls, 17 fours, 1 six) to steer the visitors to 278 and a first-innings advantage of 85.
Dane Paterson (2-39) and Tiaan van Vuuren (2-44) further cemented South Africa’s dominance with two wickets apiece, while Bjorn Fortuin returned figures of one for 18 to leave the hosts on 134 for five and a 49-run lead.
“It’s nice to contribute to the team with a hundred,” said Hermann. “It was a bit of a tricky position that we found ourselves in, but a couple of partnerships down the order were crucial to getting the lead.
“Conditions were good for the most part. There was some movement, so I just tried to attack the bad balls and defend the good balls. At the back end, I tried to score as quickly as I could with the tailenders.
“It was a good day’s play. We essentially have them at 49 for five, which is a good result for us. Hopefully, we can capitalise on it tomorrow morning and pick up a couple of early wickets to restrict them further and set up a small target to chase.”
Resuming the day on 73 for two, the visitors added 25 runs to their overnight total before England began chipping away at the middle order.
Zubayr Hamza (21) had his stumps castled by Eddie Jack (4-85), shortly before Marques Ackerman was caught behind off Henry Crocombe (4-65) for one. Sinethemba Qeshile (5) then edged Naavya Sharma to slip with the score on 122 for five.
Fortuin (32) then proved a sound partner to Hermann, with the pair sharing a valuable 71-run stand. However, Crocombe swung the momentum back in the hosts’ favour with three quick wickets to leave South Africa on 203 for eight after 52 overs.
At that point, Hermann was unbeaten on 87, and he decisively hit four boundaries in the next over to bring up his eighth first-class hundred before he was eventually caught off Jack.
Paterson and Codi Yusuf (21*) then combined for a crucial 55-run partnership for the final wicket. The former, in particular, enjoyed his time at the crease, playing a cameo of 33 off 26 balls that included four fours and two sixes. Rehan Ahmed eventually broke the stand, dismissing Paterson to wrap up South Africa's innings.
As they have done throughout the series, the SA 'A' bowlers applied pressure and struck regularly to reduce England to 100 for five. By stumps, the Lions found some respite with Ahmed (44*) and Ekansh Singh (15*) guiding them to the close.
South Africa A Four-Day Squad against England Lions
Marques Ackerman (captain, Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Ottneil Baartman (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tony de Zorzi (WSB Western Province), Bjorn Fortuin (DP World Lions), Zubayr Hamza (DP World Lions), Jordan Hermann (Dafabet Warriors), Rubin Hermann (North West Dragons), Nqobani Mokoena (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Dane Paterson (WSB Western Province), Sinethemba Qeshile (Dafabet Warriors), Lesego Senokwane (Momentum Multiply Titans), Jason Smith (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Prenelan Subrayen (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tiaan van Vuuren (Flexbrand Knights), and Codi Yusuf (DP World Lions).
Fixtures
Four-Day Series
22 - 25 May
South Africa A beat England Lions by 8 wickets - Arundel Castle Cricket Club Ground, Arundel
29 May - 1 June at 12pm CAT
England Lions v South Africa A - The Kent County Cricket Ground, Beckenham