Benoni, November 24- In a gripping conclusion to their four-day unofficial Test match, West Indies A emerged victorious against South Africa A, with an outstanding performance by Kevin Sinclair.
The bowling all-rounder played the role of hero, crafting an unbeaten half-century under intense pressure, and guiding his team to a nail-biting one-wicket triumph.
The day began with West Indies resuming their innings at eight without loss, with Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Zachary McCaskie at the crease. However, Mihlali Mpongwana struck early, claiming the wicket of McCaskie, who failed to add to his overnight score.
Chanderpaul and Kirk McKenzie then formed a crucial partnership, but the momentum was disrupted when Dane Piedt dismissed McKenzie for 36, leaving West Indies A at 75-2.
The team faced a quick succession of wickets, with Mpongwana dismissing Chanderpaul and removing Kavem Hodge, bringing the tourists to a precarious 104-4.
With the team facing a daunting situation at 104-5, Sinclair showcased remarkable patience and skill. Facing a formidable South African bowling attack, Sinclair scored 80 crucial runs, steering West Indies A to a total of 224-9 in 80.4 overs.
His resilience and ability to lead late-order revivals earned him the well-deserved title of Player of the Match.
Duanne Olivier and Hardus Viljoen continued the pressure, removing Tevin Imlach and Joshua da Silva and leaving West Indies A at a precarious 114-6. However, Sinclair stood firm, facing 150 balls and hitting eight fours and two sixes during his match-winning knock.
Jayden Seales contributed 12 runs, and Jair McAllister, coming in with the tourists still 53 runs away from their target, finished not out on seven. The West Indies A faced a formidable bowling attack from Mpongwana, who led the South African charge with figures of 3-25, while Viljoen and Piedt took two wickets each.
Sinclair’s heroics ensured a memorable victory for West Indies A in a thrilling encounter against South Africa A. The match will be remembered not only for the tense and dramatic moments but also for Sinclair’s exceptional innings that steered his team from the brink of defeat to a stunning one-wicket win.
In the heart of Benoni, cricket fans witnessed a masterclass in resilience and determination as Kevin Sinclair etched his name into the annals of West Indies. A cricket history with a performance that will be celebrated for years to come.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
