Fans at the Daren Sammy Stadium in St Lucia on Wednesday were treated to a thrilling day- night One-Day International (ODI) encounter, but were unable to celebrate a victory with their home team, West Indies A, who suffered a crushing loss in the first of three 50-Over matches.
Kevlon Anderson had a good, all-round performance
The hosts won the toss and opted to bowl first, restricting South Africa to 283 all out in 46.2 overs. Jordan Hermann slammed the first of three half-centuries on the visitors’ scorecard, hitting 53 off 47 balls. Sinethemba Qeshile and Jason Smith both contributed 55 while Rivaldo Moonsamy fell one short of the milestone.
However, South Africa lost their way at the end, losing six wickets for 73 runs at the back end.
Mihlali Mpongwana was named Player of the Match
While Jediah Blades took 3-39 from 7 overs, Guyanese Kevlon Anderson snared 2-44 from 7 alongside Kadeem Alleyne’s identical figures.
Following Alleyne’s early departure for 17 in the chase, Captain Alick Athanaze and Anderson recovered well, posting a 61-run partnership.
Athanaze went back to the dugout for 33 off 47, and Anderson perished not too long after for 45 off 47, laced with six boundaries. Kevin Wickham’s 39, Kemol Savory’s 26, Darel Cyrus’ 28 and Marquino Mindley’s 27 later proved insufficient in getting the West Indies side to their target.
The hosts were eventually bowled out for 241 in 44.1 overs, 42 runs short of their target.
Mihlali Mpongwana led with the ball for South Africa A, taking 3-37 from 10 while Bjorn Fortuin and Tshepo Moreki both accounted for two wickets.
The A team series will continue on Saturday, May 24 when the teams meet at the same venue for the second 50-Over match-up. Another day-night fixture, that match will bowl off at 14:30h.
