SA Emerging claimed a 1-0 series win against Sri Lanka Emerging at Tuks Oval on Wednesday.
The hosts started the day off well bowling Sri Lanka out quickly for 510 with Bjorn Fortuin starring again with 4-97. In reply, Dayyaan Galiem, Simon Khomari and captain, Leus du Plooy, hit 37 not out, 27 and 21 not out, leaving South Africa on 99-2 before the umpires called it a draw at the close of play.
The conclusion of the series marked the end to the National Academy from which the South Africa players were selected. Coach Shukri Conrad was delighted with the progress of his players as well as their performance in the entire series.
‘I’m happy with the way the boys have played, I’m happy with the way that things came together in this final game,’ he said. ‘I think we could have played on that particular wicket another couple of weeks and we’d still struggle to get a result, that’s how good it was, but full marks to our guys. Karabo Mogotsi getting a double hundred was outstanding, Marques Ackerman (156) played brilliantly and has played fantastically well throughout the tour.
‘All-round we’ve had some fantastic performances. With the ball, it was really tough work but we toiled manfully and professionally and that was good to see. It was also good to see bowlers not have it their own way, this was a similar wicket to what you’d often find at an international level. All in all, I’m happy with the way the boys played in this tournament, I’m happy with the way that the Powerade National Academy ended as well.’
Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images
