Lesego Senokwane produced an excellent double century to put South Africa Emerging in a strong position after day three of the second unofficial test against Zimbabwe Emerging at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Friday.
Resuming on his overnight 121, the right-hander went on to score 280 (375 balls, 29 fours) as the tourists responded to the hosts’ 399 with 595 – a lead of 196.
𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟯 - 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟯: South Africa Emerging have been bowled out for 595.
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) August 9, 2024
(Lesego Senokwane 280, Modiri Litheko 105, Andile Simelane 48; Antum Naqvi 6/128, Ernest Masuku 2/95, Tapiwa Mufudza 1/113), Zimbabwe Emerging trail by 157 runs.
Live ▶️ https://t.co/IiCOuuHtJH pic.twitter.com/3jb6OPCCJ1
In fact, Senokwane, 27, could have even got to his triple century, but he ran out partners and was last man out after a fine innings that lasted more than nine hours.
When the South Africans were eventually dismissed, the home side got to stumps in their second innings on 49 for none, trailing by 147.
However, day three was all about Senokwane as he showed outstanding concentration and focus.
He was there when his side resumed on 267 for two and put on 153 for the third wicket with Dian Forrester, who made 71 (111 balls, 4 fours).
Captain Mihlali Mpongwana managed just six before he too fell, but another good partnership followed between Senokwane and Andile Simelane (48).
The two took their side from 427 for five to 518 for six, adding 91 together for the sixth wicket.
However, once that stand broke the Zimbabweans ran through the lower order relatively quickly until Caleb Seleka (24) held up his end to offer further support for Senokwane, who finally fell in the 126th over.
Zimbabwe’s own first-innings centurion, Antum Naqvi, finished as the pick of the bowlers with six for 128.
Openers Nicholas Welch (29*) and skipper Takudzwanashe Kaitano (19*) then took their side to the close to ensure the hosts were in a good position to still fight on the final day.
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), Modiri Litheko (Titans), 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 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