Series win for SA-A in West Indies ahead of unofficial tests

The result secured a 2-0 series win in the Caribbean, and the win was largely owed to a brilliant contribution by Rivaldo Moonsamy at the top of the order. 

The home side had earlier won the toss and elected to bat first and set South Africa a target of 254 for the win, and Wandile Gwavu’s side were able to get over the line in just under 35 overs. 

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Moonsamy was understandably disappointed to miss out on triple figures by just six runs, but was content with helping the team win the series.

"It always feels good to contribute towards a series win, coming to a place like West Indies and winning an ODI series here, is not easy. The boys showed great character through the heat and humidity," said the opener. 

Having lost his opening partner Jordan Hermann in just the fourth over, he then shared a telling 140-run third wicket partnership with captain Marques Ackerman as the two led the team to a comfortable win. Ackerman scored a well-played 71, and Moonsamy says their partnership worked so well due to their long history.

"I've played with Marques Ackerman for a long time, and we have a good relationship at the top of the order, and we understand one another's game, so that's very beneficial.

"In the first game I scored 49, and in this match I scored 94, so I missed out on both occassions, but I'm always happy to contribute to the team in what has been a special trip to the West Indies so far," declared Moonsamy. 

Apart from Moonsamy and Ackerman, there was also some impressive batting from Sinethemba Qeshile in the second match where he posted 126, although it was in vain as rain forced a no-result there. Bowlers Mihlali Mpongwana, Okuhle Cele, and Tshepo Moreki were also key in the series win. The 28-year-old Titans batter was impressed with the team’s overall performance.

South Africa-A will now turn their attention to the four-day round of matches against the Windies, with the first one taking place this Sunday at the same venue. The second match that concludes their tour will then follow exactly a week later, and Moonsamy says the win in the 50 overs will boost them going into the longer format.