A 153-run opening stand between Modiri Litheko and Lesego Senokwane helped South Africa Emerging storm to a seven-wicket victory in their opening One-Day clash against Zimbabwe Emerging in Bulawayo on Tuesday.
Dian Forrester also did his bit with three wickets and a flashy unbeaten 38 – first ending as the pick of the bowlers to bowl out the hosts for 235 and then playing a role late on when the visitors replied with 237 for three.
That ensured the South Africans took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Malibongwe Maketa’s side, who won the unofficial test series 1-0 over the weekend, won the toss and opted to bowl first at Queens Sports Club.
Forrester (3-28) struck three crucial blows in the opening nine overs to leave the score on 33 for three.
But Emmanuel Bawa (49), Takudzwanashe Kaitano (29) and Alistair Frost (63) helped rebuild with crucial middle-order runs.
The visiting bowlers continued to chip away, though, with Caleb Seleka (2-31) bagging a double of his own to ensure the home side were kept in check.
They were eventually bowled out in the final over after setting a target of 236.
STRONG REPLY FROM SA
The reply was a strong one by the South Africans with Senokwane blazing 89 off 78 balls (12 fours, one six) and Litheko recording 59 off 71 balls (seven fours) to put the away side in control well inside the halfway mark of the chase.
And despite the loss of both in quick succession, Valentine Kitime (19), Forrester’s quick-fire blitz and Mihlali Mpongwana (18*) helped their side race home with 12.1 overs to spare.
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
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 lost to SA Emerging Men by 7 wickets - 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