Ahmed denies SA 'A' a clean sweep

Lhuan-dré Pretorius’ half-century proved in vain as a six-wicket haul from Rehan Ahmed guided England Lions to victory over South Africa 'A' (SA ‘A’) in the final match of the one-day series at New Road in Worcester on Tuesday.

Having already secured the series, SA ‘A’ were unable to clinch a clean sweep as the hosts claimed a consolation six-wicket win in the third match.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first in a rain-reduced 47-over match, the SA 'A' batters struggled.

Fresh from his century in the previous match, Pretorius was the mainstay of the innings with 65 off 57 balls (5x4, 4x6). After the early dismissal of Tony de Zorzi for nine, Pretorius and Marques Ackerman (14) added 66 runs for the second wicket to steady the innings and take the score to 93/1.

However, the momentum shifted dramatically when Ahmed claimed his first wicket with a return catch off his own bowling to remove Pretorius. The breakthrough sparked a collapse, with the visitors losing their remaining eight wickets for just 53 runs.

The England international leg-spinner was the chief destroyer, returning figures of 6/34, while James Coles provided excellent support with 3/23 as SA ‘A’ were bowled out for 146 in 31.3 overs.

In reply, Gerald Coetzee (2/35) applied early pressure by dismissing Ben McKinney (16) before the Proteas quick had Ahmed caught for 15 to leave the hosts on 46/2 after 8.1 overs.

Ottneil Baartman (1/31) struck next when captain James Rew (19) edged to first slip, where Prenelan Subrayen held on for a sharp catch. Rain then halted play with the Lions requiring a further 84 runs for victory with seven wickets in hand.

After the resumption, Asa Tribe (8) feathered Nqaba Peter (1/38) behind to the wicketkeeper, but the hosts continued at a steady canter, with Coles (63* off 58 balls, 7x4, 2x6) and Ben Mayes (17*) steering them to victory with 21.5 overs to spare.

Despite the result, Wandile Gwavu's side will be pleased with their overall efforts on this tour of England, having swept the four-day series 2-0 and secured the one-day series 2-1.

Results

Four-Day Series

22-25 May at 11am (12pm SAST) - Arundel Castle Cricket Club Ground, Arundel (SA won by eight wickets)

29 May-1 June at 11am (12pm SAST) - The Kent County Cricket Ground, Beckenham (SA won by eight wickets)

One-Day Series

Friday, 5 June at 11am (12pm SAST) - Grace Road, Leicester (SA won by nine wickets)

Sunday, 7 June at 11am (12pm SAST) - New Road, Worcester (SA won by 10 wickets)

Tuesday, 9 June at 11am (12pm SAST) - New Road, Worcester (Lions won by six wickets)