adminANDILE Phehlukwayo returned career-best figures to edge South Africa A close to victory after day three of the second and final four-day match against Zimbabwe A at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo yesterday. The Sunfoil Dolphins allrounder claimed 5/62 in 20 overs as the hosts were bowled out for 356 in reply to the visitors’ 570/6 declared – a deficit of 214.
Phehlukwayo was the pick of the bowlers with his maiden five-wicket haul in what is just his 16th first-class match. There was also 3/63 for Duanne Olivier, with a wicket each for Keshav Maharaj (1/64) and Dane Piedt (1/117).
Zimbabwe’s top scorer was Prince Masvaure with his highest ever first-class score of 146 (303 balls, 17 fours). Craig Irvine made 59. Phehlukwayo (1/7) then claimed another second-innings scalp as the home side reached stumps following on at 89/5.
That left them still 125 behind with only five wickets standing. Maharaj was the stand-out performer second time around at the Queens Sports Club thanks to his 3/37 in 16 overs. The other wicket went to Piedt (1/12).
The South Africans will be looking to wrap up the series today after the opening test was drawn in Harare. – SuperSport
Blessing Chizhande