WI in familiar place despite Joseph’s five-wicket haul

BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (CMC):

Rookie fast bowler Shamar Joseph completed an impressive five-wicket haul but not for the first time, West Indies ‘A’ were facing a mammoth task in saving the final four-day ‘Test’ against South Africa-A here yesterday.

The tourists were never in the contest after South Africa-A, resuming from their overnight 104 for three, piled up 272 for five declared, with Zubayr Hamza blasting an unbeaten 110 and Ruan de Swardt, a robust 86.

Joseph added the only two wickets to fall to end with five for 76 and an eight-wicket match haul.

Set an improbable 442 for victory, West Indies ‘A’ lost Zachary McCaskie for eight before left-hander Kirk McKenzie counter-attacked with a bold unbeaten 26, as they finished the penultimate day on 47 for one.

They require a further 374 runs to win on today’s final day.

Joseph struck in the second over of the day at Mangaung Oval when he had Khaya Zondo caught at the wicket for 31 after adding just two to his overnight score.

Success was limited thereafter as Hamza and de Swardt dominated the West Indies ‘A’ attack in a 159-run, fifth-wicket stand.

Hamza, who played the last of his six Tests 22 months ago, struck a dozen fours and a six in an innings requiring 152 balls and 4-½ hours.

De Swardt, meanwhile, counted nine fours and a six while facing 126 deliveries in a shade under three hours at the crease.

Joseph ended the stand when he trapped de Swardt leg before wicket triggering South Africa ‘A’s declaration.

West Indies ‘A’ then lost McCaskie cheaply for eight to a catch at the wicket, fishing at a widish delivery from fast bowler Dane Paterson, to find themselves on 14 for one.

McKenzie pushed back, however, belting two fours and two sixes to dominate a 33-run, second-wicket partnership with fellow left-hander Tagenarine Chanderpaul (11 not out), which took the visitors safely to the close.