South Africa A lost to the National Performance Squad on the opening day of the Quadrangular One-Day Series.
Despite a gutsy half-century from Qaasim Adams, SA A found themselves walking back to the dugout losing to Australia’s National Performance Squad by 17 runs in Townsville on Saturday.
After losing the toss, the inexperienced NPS side were put into bat, posting a competitive 244-8 at the end of their 50 overs. Out of the seven List-A debutants named in their XI, 20-year-old Samuel Heazlett played a Man of the Match innings of 101 off 87 balls.
Dwaine Pretorius should be commended for his bowling performance, posting figures of 0-23 in his 10-over spell. Aaron Phangiso and Andile Phelukwayo got two wickets apiece, but could not help keep the hosts at bay despite several members boasting international experience.
After this good start from the hosts, the visitors found themselves in a terrible position at 87-7 by the time Adams came to the crease. The 99-run partnership between Adams and Sisanda Magala gave the team some hope but it was not enough as both fell within 11 deliveries with 60 runs needed. Adams’ 78 and Magala’s 35 was not enough to take their team over the line as the South Africans were bowled out for 226 with an over and a half still to go.
The experienced South African side could not deal with the new talent on show, as David Grant and David Moody ripped through their batting line up. Being labelled as novices, Grant posted figures of 4-31 and Moody 3-44, doing exceptionally well with ball in hand.
All in all, an unfortunate start to SA A’s series, as they look to turn things around against India A on Wednesday.
Photo by Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images
