Andile Mogakane took four wickets for SA Emerging on the opening day of the second four-day match against Zimbabwe Emerging, but it was the hosts who held a slight advantage in Bulawayo.
This after Antum Naqvi’s unbeaten 130 off 211 balls (21 fours, one six) helped them reach the close on 307-6 after they won the toss and batted first at Queens Sports Club.
There was also 90 off 165 balls (13 fours, one six) from captain Takudzwanashe Kaitano, while Nicholas Welch blazed 46 off 36 balls to start the innings.
South Africa, who won the opening match of the two-match series convincingly, were put under pressure from the start thanks to openers Kaitano and Welch after they put on 62 inside the opening 11 overs.
A double blow from Mogakane – he removed Welch and Larvet Masunda (five) – then pulled the tourists back with the score on 76-2. However, the skipper and Naqvi put on an assured 133 for the third wicket to put their side in control.
Another twin strike by Mogakane, who ended with 4-42, again threatened to alter the course of the innings with Kaitano and Alistair Frost (nought) his victims.
Caleb Seleka (1-76) also took a wicket at that stage when he dismissed wicketkeeper Ryan Kamwemba for one leaving Zimbabwe on 218-5. But again there was a partnership of substance as Naqvi and Ronak Patel (19) put on 62 for the sixth wicket, before the latter was removed by Andile Simelane (1-37).
The former was still there at the close, helping the home side cross 300 and end proceedings in a strong position.
Photo: @ZimCricketv/X
