Phehlukwayo, Klaasen fire but SA ‘A’ lose opening one-dayer to Zimbabwe XI | Sport

Andile Phehlukwayo (Gallo)

South Africa’ A’ lost the opening game of their three-match
one-day series against a Zimbabwe XI on Monday.

The home side won by five runs, with their victory decided
by Duckworth-Lewis-Stern after bad light stopped play with seven balls left in
the match.

Captained by Heinrich Klaasen, SA ‘A’ 50 posted 273/7 in
their allotted overs after losing the toss and having to bat first.

Andile Phehlukwayo top-scored with 87 off 93 deliveries
(5x4s, 4x6s), while Klaasen scored 58 from 51 balls (4×4, 1×6).

Zimbabwe’s Donald Tiripano was the pick of the bowlers,
taking 4/57 in eight overs.

He claimed the dangerous South African top three, seeing off
Theunis de Bruyn, Tony de Zorzi, and Reeza Hendricks for 32, 28 and 22.

He was also responsible for the eventual ending of
Phehlukwayo and Klaasen’s fifth-wicket partnership, which steered the visitors
to their competitive total.

Tendai Chatara chipped in with 2/39.

The home team were not daunted by the target, even after
losing openers Takudzwanashe Kaitano (0) and Kevin Kasuza (27) at the hands of
Lizaad Williams (2/29) and Bjorn Fortuin (1/54).

Prince Masvaure and Wessley Madhevere knuckled down, scoring
49 and 34 to help steady the ship.

Sikandar Raza then played a captain’s knock, top-scoring
with a quick-fire 59 off 50 before Hendricks (2/24) struck with the first of
his two wickets.

Milton Shumba added an obstinate and unbeaten 45 from 50
deliveries, ending the match with Tiripano, who was also unbeaten for 24.

The South African side had some injury and Covid-19
disruptions in the build-up to the game.

Lutho Sipamla was forced to return home after aggravating a
left hamstring injury and will be replaced by Glenton Stuurman.

Ryan Rickelton was released from isolation on Monday and
medically cleared to play from the second match after he tested positive for
Covid-19 upon the team’s arrival in Zimbabwe.

Prenelan Subrayen tested positive for Covid-19 before the
team departed from South Africa and was replaced in the squad by Wihan Lubbe.

The second match in the series will take place on Wednesday,
27 April.