Mpongwana, Moreki Star – SA A Close to Victory vs WI A

Mpongwana and Moreki Lead South Africa A to Brink of Victory Over West Indies A

Mpongwana and Moreki Shine as South Africa A Take Command in Saint Lucia

ST LUCIA – June 11, 2025: On an eventful third day at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, it was Mpongwana and Moreki who delivered the decisive blows to all but confirm South Africa A’s series victory over West Indies A in the second and final four-day match of the tour. After a first-innings advantage built largely on the efforts of Ruan de Swardt and Schalk Engelbrecht, the visitors now stand just 32 runs away from securing a 2-0 sweep of the series.

The story of the day belonged to the bowlers, as Mihlali Mpongwana and Tshepo Moreki ran through the West Indies A lineup with outstanding spells that tilted the match heavily in South Africa’s favour. With the hosts dismissed for just 211 in their second innings, the visitors were left needing only 100 to win, and by stumps, they were cruising at 68 for two.

Mpongwana and Moreki Decimate West Indies A

After a promising second day, South Africa A’s lower order failed to stretch their advantage much further on Wednesday morning. Resuming with a solid 159-run stand for the eighth wicket, Engelbrecht and de Swardt could only add two more runs before the innings unraveled. Engelbrecht, who had looked composed the previous day with his 77, was dismissed early by Shamar Joseph, while de Swardt’s valuable 86 was ended by Anderson Phillip, who went on to finish with a five-wicket haul (5/67). Okuhle Cele was the final wicket to fall for a duck.

Despite the early wrap-up, South Africa A held a commanding 112-run first-innings lead, and their bowlers wasted no time in making that advantage count.

The West Indies innings began on the back foot when Okuhle Cele struck in his very first over, removing Kraigg Brathwaite for a duck — an early blow from which the hosts never truly recovered. Tshepo Moreki soon joined in, dismissing Kevlon Anderson for 20. Mpongwana and Moreki, bowling with control and aggression, then ripped through the West Indies middle order. Mpongwana clean-bowled Alick Athanaze for a duck and had Jewel Andrew caught for 12, while Moreki kept things tight from the other end.

Even as John Campbell fought a lone battle with a fluent 59 (off 86 balls, 9 fours, 1 six), the wickets tumbled at regular intervals. The moment Campbell was removed by Nqaba Peter, the West Indies innings faltered further. Mpongwana wrapped up with impressive figures of 4 for 52, while Moreki’s 3 for 51 ensured he remained a constant threat. Cele, adding two more wickets to his name, helped bowl the hosts out in just 54.4 overs, leaving South Africa A in total control of the match.

De Swardt and Engelbrecht Anchor First Innings After Early Collapse

Before the third day heroics of Mpongwana and Moreki, the tone for South Africa A’s dominance was set by Ruan de Swardt, who had already contributed four wickets with the ball earlier in the match. His calm and composed 86, supported by Engelbrecht’s gritty 77, had rescued South Africa from a precarious position. At one point struggling at 132 for seven, the duo stitched together a crucial 159-run partnership for the eighth wicket, turning the tide and pushing the team past 300.

It was this recovery, paired with the continued pressure from the bowlers, that gave South Africa A a firm grip over the second Test match and the series.

Final Chase: Almost a Formality

Chasing just 100 runs to win, South Africa A did face some initial hiccups. Jordan Hermann was dismissed for five, and Lesego Senokwane fell for 19. However, with just 32 more required and Marques Ackerman (20)* and Sinethemba Qeshile (19)* settled at the crease, the visitors are expected to complete the formalities early on Day 4. Ackerman and Qeshile have already added an unbeaten 38, calmly absorbing whatever challenge the West Indies A bowlers could throw at them.

Series Sweep in Sight for South Africa A

A win here will hand South Africa A a 2-0 series sweep, after their crushing innings and 88-run win in the first four-day match, also held at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground. That match had seen South Africa A dominate from the outset with all-round brilliance. Their ability to adapt to conditions, coupled with depth in both batting and bowling, has been the defining story of the series.

This tour was about showcasing the next layer of talent for South Africa, and players like de Swardt, Mpongwana, Moreki, Engelbrecht, Cele, and Qeshile have all made strong cases for senior selection in the future.

Looking Ahead: Positive Signs for South African Red-Ball Depth

This series, though under the radar compared to the WTC Final and high-profile tours, has been a glowing advertisement for the strength of South African cricket’s pipeline. With several players putting in match-winning performances and showing maturity beyond their years, the selectors and coaching staff will take plenty of positives home.

Coach Malibongwe Maketa’s insistence on building a winning culture at the ‘A’ level appears to be yielding results, with South Africa A delivering clinical performances across both matches.