Ackerman guides SA 'A' to series win over West Indies

Marques Ackerman finished with an unbeaten 35 as South Africa 'A' (SA ‘A’) made light work of West Indies 'A' on the final morning to wrap up a seven-wicket win and with it seal a 2-0 series scoreline in the second and final four-day match at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Saint Lucia on Wednesday.

The visiting captain faced 35 balls, striking five fours and a six, to take his side to their 100-run target in just 19.3 overs.

He shared a partnership of 50 for the third wicket with Sinethemba Qeshile (26 off 42 balls), the only wicket to fall on the day, with the tourists needing only 5.3 overs to knock off the remaining 32 runs required to earn themselves a series whitewash.

The South Africans, who also won the one-day series between the sides 2-0 last month, were victorious by an innings and 88 runs in the first game.

They started the last day of the tour comfortably placed on 68 for two, with Ackerman and Qeshile adding a further 12 to their stand, before the latter was bowled by Johann Layne (1/29).

Lhuan-dre Pretorius (6*) was next in and ensured there were no further losses alongside his captain, carrying the away side to another comfortable win.

Ruan de Swardt was the stand out player in match two after collecting four wickets and top-scoring with 86. Mihlali Mpongwana and Okuhle Cele also enjoyed successful outing with five wickets apiece.

South Africa 'A' Squad

Marques Ackerman (captain, Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Okuhle Cele (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Ruan de Swardt (Renault North West Dragons), Schalk Engelbrecht (Momentum Multiply Titans), Bjorn Fortuin (DP World Lions), Jordan Hermann (Dafabet Warriors), Tristan Luus (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Rivaldo Moonsamy (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tshepo Moreki (DP World Lions), Mihlali Mpongwana (World Sports Betting Western Province), Nqaba Peter (DP World Lions), Lhuan-dre Pretorius (Momentum Multiply Titans), Sinethemba Qeshile (Dafabet Warriors), Lesego Senokwane (Knights), Jason Smith (Hollywoodbets Dolphins) and Prenelan Subrayen (Hollywoodbets Dolphins).

Management

Wandile Gwavu (Head Coach), Riaan Osman (Manager), Justin Ontong (Batting Coach), Quinton Friend (Bowling Coach), Jimmy Kgamadi (Fielding Coach), Dr Salih Solomons (Team Doctor), Laden Gamiet (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Brent Martin (Physiotherapist) and Abram Ndhlovu (Team Analyst).

Fixtures (all times local)

One-Day Matches

Wednesday, 21 May at 9.30am

West Indies 'A' v South Africa 'A' – Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, Saint Lucia (SA 'A' won by 42 runs)

Saturday, 24 May at 9.30am

West Indies 'A' v South Africa 'A' – Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, Saint Lucia (Draw)

Tuesday, 27 May at 9.30am

West Indies 'A' v South Africa 'A' – Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, Saint Lucia (SA 'A' won by six wickets)

Four-Day Matches

Sunday, 1 June - Wednesday, 4 June at 10am

West Indies 'A' v South Africa 'A' – Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, Saint Lucia (SA 'A' won by an innings and 88 runs)

Sunday, 8 June - Wednesday, 11 June at 10am

West Indies 'A' v South Africa 'A' – Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, Saint Lucia (SA 'A' won by seven wickets)