Centuries by openers Modiri Litheko and Lesego Senokwane ensured South Africa Emerging responded strongly against Zimbabwe Emerging on day two of the second unofficial test at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Thursday.
The visitors reached stumps at the halfway stage of the game on an impressive 267 for two – 132 runs behind the home side’s equally positive 399 all out.
Litheko, who struck 98 in SA’s first unofficial test win, and Senokwane led the reply with the former recording 105 (121 balls, 11 fours, 1 six) and the latter still at the crease overnight, unbeaten on a fine 121 (191 balls, 13 fours).
The pair put on a 192-run opening partnership in a little over 40 overs, before the stand was eventually broken by Zimbabwe’s star of the match to date, Antum Naqvi (2-50).
Valentine Kitime (18) then added 40 with Senokwane and was looking good too until the same bowler had him caught and bowled 10 overs from the close.
Dian Forrester came in next and scored a rapid unbeaten 17* off 21 balls that saw the South Africans to stumps in a sound position.
Earlier, the home side fell from their overnight 308 for six to be all out for 399.
Naqvi failed to add to his own overnight ton as he was dismissed in the third over of the morning nicking off Forrester to Ntando Zuma without adding to his 130 (213 balls, 21 fours, 1 six).
Forrester, the visitors’ best bowler on day two with two for 57, also unseated Ernest Masuku (15) in the same fashion with a wicket apiece for Andile Simelane and Jade de Klerk, while Tapiwa Mufudza (36) offered the strongest resistance.
Andile Mokgakane’s four wickets on day one ensured he ended as the pick of the bowlers with four for 56.
SA EMERGING SQUAD
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
1 - 4 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