Aiden Markram’s half-century was in vain as SA A lost to the England Lions by 144 runs, and with it the series 2-0 on Saturday.
In a must-win clash for Khaya Zondo’s side, South Africa A won the toss and elected to field. The hosts put the South African bowlers to the sword as they scored an imposing total of 349-7 in their fifty overs, courtesy of an 83-ball 129 from Liam Livingstone that included ten fours and eight sixes.
Dawid Malan also backed up his ton in the series opener with an 84 off 89 balls that included 13 fours and a six. Markram was the pick of the bowlers as he returned figures of 4-45 in nine overs.
In reply, the South African chase struggled to gain momentum. The departure of Reeza Hendricks for four meant the tourists were under early pressure. A 70-run second wicket stand between Markram (50) and Jon Jon Smuts (22) gave the tourists a glimmer of hope.
South Africa A came to rue the fact that they did not capitalise on good starts. Proteas batsmen Theunis de Bruyn (16) and Temba Bavuma (18) failed to kick on. Liam Dawson all but ended the visitors’ challenge as his 4-41 contributed to their demise in just 41.3 overs for 205.
The third and final ODI takes place on Monday, but is now a ‘dead-rubber’ contest.
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