Lesego Senokwane’s double century put SA Emerging in a strong position after day three of the second four-day match against Zimbabwe Emerging in Bulawayo.
Resuming on his overnight 121, the right-hander went on to score 280 off 375 balls (29 fours) as the tourists responded to the hosts’ 399 with 595 – a lead of 196.
In fact, the 27-year-old could have even got to his triple century, but he ran out partners and was last man out after a fine innings that lasted more than nine hours.
The home side got to stumps in their second innings on 49-0, trailing by 147.
However, day three was all about Senokwane as he showed outstanding concentration and focus.
He was there when his side resumed on 267-2 and put on 153 for the third wicket with Dian Forrester, who made 71 off 111 balls (four fours).
Captain Mihlali Mpongwana managed just six before he too fell, but another good partnership followed between Senokwane and Andile Simelane (48).
The two took their side from 427-5 to 518-6, adding 91 together for the sixth wicket.
However, once that stand broke the Zimbabweans ran through the lower order relatively quickly until Caleb Seleka (24) held up his end to offer further support for Senokwane, who finally fell in the 126th over.
Zimbabwe’s own first-innings centurion, Antum Naqvi, finished as the pick of the bowlers with 6-128.
Openers Nicholas Welch (29*) and skipper Takudzwanashe Kaitano (19*) then took their side to the close to ensure the hosts were in a good position to still fight on the final day.
Photo: @ZimCricketv/X
