A scintillating century by Andile Simelane paved the way for SA Emerging to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in their one-day series against Zimbabwe Emerging with a four-wicket win in Bulawayo on Thursday.
Batting at No 3, the all-rounder smashed seven sixes and 11 fours in a swashbuckling 110 off 70 balls, setting the tourists on their way to chasing down a stiff 311-run target with 27 balls to spare.
Simelane was helped by Lesego Senokwane, one of the stars of the seven-wicket triumph in Tuesday’s opening one-dayer, after he made 39 and shared in a 117-run second-wicket stand, while captain Mihlali Mpongwana hit an unbeaten 51 off 62 balls (one four, one six) and Andile Mogakane made 45.
Earlier Jade de Klerk was the pick of the South African bowlers with 3-45 as the home side set an imposing total after being put in to bat first.
Antum Naqvi, Zimbabwe’s best player of the tour thus far, again top-scored, with 85 off 71 balls (nine fours, two sixes) while Nicholas Welch made 54 off 73 balls (five fours) to get them to 310-9.
Tristan Luus picked up 2-45 and there was also a wicket each for Simelane and Senokwane.
The South Africans lost Modiri Litheko (four) in the second over, but the second-wicket stand helped them rebuild and gain momentum as Simelane got to 50 in just 31 balls, before reaching three figures from just 57 deliveries.
He eventually fell before the 200 was raised, but Mogakane and Mpongwana added 51 together for the fifth wicket, with the skipper then keeping his head to lead his side home in the 46th over – sealing a memorable win.
The third and final one-day match is on Saturday at the same venue.
Photo: @ZimCricketv/X
