The future of South African Cricket looks bright after the SA Emerging side completed a fantastic, albeit dramatic 28 run win against Sri Lanka’s Emerging side at Senwes Park this past weekend (18-21 July.)
SA’ batsman laid the platform for the victory with former North West Dragons opener, Janneman Malan (75 off 93) and Warriors’ batsman Matthew Breetzke (114 off 187) putting up a 145-run partnership on the first morning. A middle order collapse though restricted SA Emerging to 382 all out.
Photos: Ettienne van Rensburg/Vaalweekblad
Sri Lanka were on the back foot from the start in their reply as Minod Bhanuka was dismissed for a first ball duck, thanks to the left arm spin of Kyle Simmonds (4/88) who were one of the thorn’s in Sri Lanka’s reply of 241 all out.
It was also the left arm pace of Lions spearhead, Nandré Burger, that impressed as he picked up match figures of 6/96. Local Potchefstromer and current Free State all-rounder, Marco Jansen also impressed with his left arm pace, picking up match figures of 4/90 with some economical bowling. In a country where left-arm quicks are not the norm, this is quite refreshing.
Photos: Wouter Pienaar
An SA top order collapse gave Sri Lanka a way back into the match as the hosts were dismissed for 189 all out. Simmonds (50) and Jansen (49) were the top scorers in the lower order. The Sri Lankan test spinner Lasith Embuldeniya (5/74) impressed with his left arm spin.
Sri Lanka fought valliantly in the fourth innings, but came up short, despite a fighting 89 (134) from Bhanuka, who redeemed himself after a golden duck in the first innings. Tladi Bokako got his wicket and also picked up the final wicket to end up with 3/70 in 21 overs.
The SA Emerging cricketers next take on Sri Lanka in the second unofficial test at Supersport Park in Centurion on Thurdsday, 25 July.
