Cele puts SA 'A' in charge against West Indies 'A'

An excellent five-wicket haul by Okuhle Cele lead a strong opening day performance by South Africa A (SA ‘A’) helping them take control over West Indies A in the first four-day match at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Saint Lucia on Sunday.

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins seamer claimed 5/43 as the tourists capitalised on winning the toss and bowling first by dismissing the hosts for 240.

Lesego Senokwane (28*) and Jordan Hermann (31*) then put on 68 in the final hour to help the away side reach the close in a sound position - 172 behind with all 10 wickets in hand.

After winning the one-day series, the South Africans continued to enjoy a productive tour in the first of two four-day games.

Cele lead the way and there was good support from the others too, Tshepo Moreki picking up 3/63.

But the hosts did make a good start thanks to John Campbell (33) and Mikyle Louis (57) with the pair putting on 79 for the opening wicket.

After Jason Smith (1/37) made the initial break brought by getting rid of Campbell, Cele landed the hosts with a triple blow.

He got rid of Kevlon Anderson (3), Kavem Hodge (0) and Louis to leave the score on 100/4.

Alick Athanaze (5) and Ronaldo Alimohamed (8) followed shortly after to leave the home side in deeper trouble on 119/6.

Captain Tevin Imlach (61) and Khary Pierre (44) rebuilt well with a 77-run seventh-wicket partnership that took the total to 196/6.

But the SA bowlers hit back well from there to bowl out the home team in 63.4 overs.

Senokwane and Hermann then negotiated the last 15 overs of the day to keep their side in a strong position at stumps.

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

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

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