In a crucial must-win encounter, South Africa A (SA ‘A’) gained the upper hand in the second unofficial test against Sri Lanka A (SL ‘A’) at Willowmoore Park, Benoni, on Sunday. Captain Neil Brand’s unbeaten century anchored the hosts to a solid 316 for seven at the end of Day 1.
Brand, the left-handed opener, showcased his skill with a magnificent 122* off 243 balls, featuring 11 boundaries and one six. His patient innings were pivotal in South Africa A’s push to level the series after they lost the first match by six wickets in Kimberley.
After winning the toss and opting to bowl, Sri Lanka A put South Africa A under pressure early. Brand, along with Tshepang Dithole (27), put up a steady opening stand of 41 before the hosts lost two quick wickets—Dithole and Jean du Plessis (0)—within a run.
Marques Ackerman chipped in with a solid 37, partnering with Brand for a 62-run third-wicket stand. The highlight of the day, however, was the 98-run fourth-wicket partnership between Brand and Dewald Brevis, who contributed an aggressive 49.
Despite being well-positioned at 202 for three in the 53rd over, South Africa A’s middle order faltered, losing quick wickets to slip to 316 for seven by the close of play. Mihlali Mpongwana (12), Rivaldo Moonsamy (11), and Beyers Swanepoel (34) all departed after making starts, leaving Brand and Migael Pretorius (9*) unbeaten at stumps.
For Sri Lanka A, left-arm spinner Sonal Dinusha was the pick of the bowlers, taking three for 48, as the visitors aim to bounce back on Day 2.
South Africa A Squad:
- Neil Brand (captain, Momentum Multiply Titans)
- Marques Ackerman (Hollywoodbets Dolphins)
- Matthew Breetzke (Dafabet Warriors)
- Dewald Brevis (Momentum Multiply Titans)
- Tshepang Dithole (Hollywoodbets Dolphins)
- Jean du Plessis (Dafabet Warriors)
- Patrick Kruger (Dafabet Warriors)
- Rivaldo Moonsamy (Momentum Multiply Titans)
- Mihlali Mpongwana (World Sports Betting Western Province)
- Migael Pretorius (North West Dragons)
- Sinethemba Qeshile (Dafabet Warriors)
- Lutho Sipamla (DP World Lions)
- Prenelan Subrayen (Hollywoodbets Dolphins)
- Beyers Swanepoel (Dafabet Warriors)
- Codi Yusuf (DP World Lions)
Upcoming Four-Day Matches:
- 8-11 September: South Africa A lost to Sri Lanka A by 6 wickets (Kimberley Oval, Kimberley)
- 15-18 September: South Africa A vs Sri Lanka A (Willowmoore Park, Benoni)
South Africa A will need to press their advantage on Day 2 if they want to keep their hopes alive in this closely contested series. Stay tuned for more updates!
