South Africa A dominate West Indies A | SA A vs WI A Highlights

South Africa A Outclass West Indies A to Secure One-Day Series Victory

At the picturesque Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Saint Lucia, South Africa A delivered a clinical all-round performance to dismantle West Indies A in the third one-day match, wrapping up a dominant 2-0 series win. The match, played on Tuesday, 27 May 2025, was marked by smart bowling, crisp fielding, and aggressive yet composed batting. This win not only secured the series but also underlined the depth and promise of South Africa’s next-generation cricketers.

This third and final one-day encounter was a formality in name but a litmus test in execution. With the second game washed out and the first already in South Africa’s bag, the onus was on West Indies A to restore pride. But the visitors, led by the lively and disciplined Okuhle Cele, had other plans.

Okuhle Cele Headlines a Ruthless Bowling Effort

South Africa A won the battle early through pace and precision. After West Indies A won the toss and chose to bat, Cele set the tone. The 27-year-old right-arm quick from Durban struck with immediate impact, removing captain Alick Athanaze for a duck and following it up with the dismissal of Kevlon Anderson. This triple early blow, preceded by Tshepo Moreki’s clean-up of Kadeem Alleyne, left West Indies staggering at 16 for 3 in under six overs.

Cele finished with figures of 3 for 44, making him the spearhead of an incisive bowling attack. Alongside him, Ruan de Swardt’s economical 2 for 35 proved vital in stopping any late-innings surge. South Africa A showed intelligent rotation of their bowlers, mixing pace with sharp angles, and exploiting bounce on a surface offering subtle assistance.

Shaqkere Parris Fights Back for West Indies A

In the face of early chaos, Shaqkere Parris mounted a valiant resistance. The 22-year-old Barbadian played the anchor role in an innings of 96 that combined patience and power. He shared crucial stands with Jyd Goolie (30) and Javelle Glenn, whose 52 off 49 balls injected much-needed urgency.

Parris’s innings was a showcase of application and strokeplay. He punished anything too full or too wide and kept the scoreboard moving. But with a lack of support after Glenn’s departure and tight bowling from the visitors, West Indies A were eventually bowled out for 253 in 47.3 overs—under-par given the batting-friendly conditions.

Moonsamy and Ackerman Destroy West Indies A’s Hopes

In response, South Africa A lost Jordan Hermann early, edging behind for just 10. That, however, was the only real success the hosts enjoyed for the next 18 overs.

Rivaldo Moonsamy, usually quieter with the bat, unleashed a commanding knock of 94 off 91 balls, peppered with 15 boundaries and a solitary six. His elegant drives and calculated sweeps complemented the aggression of his skipper.

Enter Marques Ackerman, and the game accelerated. The captain played a sparkling innings of 71 off just 45 balls, smashing 8 fours and 2 sixes. His 140-run stand with Moonsamy all but ended the contest. Ackerman's confidence, footwork, and shot selection made it clear that the chase was under total control.

A Team Win and a Team Effort

After the loss of the top pair, Sinethemba Qeshile, Jason Smith, and Ruan de Swardt calmly navigated the remaining 90 runs. Smith's unbeaten 35, coupled with De Swardt’s composed finishing, ensured South Africa A reached their target in just 34.5 overs, with 15.1 overs to spare.

What stood out was the composure and collective intent. No panic, no wastefulness—just controlled aggression and clarity in role execution. From top to tail, this was a unit performing at the same frequency.

Qeshile’s Moment in the Sun

While Cele earned acclaim for his ball-striking and Ackerman for his captaincy, the Player of the Series accolade fittingly went to Sinethemba Qeshile. His consistent contributions—55 and 126 in the first two matches—set the platform for the series. In post-match interviews, Qeshile reflected, "To see the guys play the way they did and contribute in the three games was quite amazing. We have a really good group of guys here, a good blend of youth and experience."

Qeshile’s performances could mark a turning point in his career. Having been on the fringes of the national setup, this series win could act as a springboard for higher honours.

Depth, Direction, and Dominance for South Africa A

This victory is more than just a series win. It reflects the growing maturity and tactical acumen of South Africa’s emerging talent. With marquee names like Bjorn Fortuin, Prenelan Subrayen, and Lhuan-dre Pretorius adding quality and depth, this South Africa A side looks ready to provide real competition for places in the senior team.

Coach Shukri Conrad and the selection panel will be quietly delighted. Not just by the results, but by how professionally this squad handled pressure, conditions, and the opposition. The Daren Sammy Ground might have been foreign territory, but SA A owned it this week.

Looking Ahead: Four-Day Challenges Await

The short-form success sets the stage for the two four-day unofficial Tests, beginning on Sunday, June 1st at the same venue. For many of the players, these games will be opportunities to showcase red-ball credentials, particularly as South Africa looks to rebuild its Test depth.

Selectors will be watching closely. Ackerman, Qeshile, Moonsamy, and De Swardt have already made statements. Now, it's time for someone to stake a claim for a Test cap. 

Final Word: Momentum Secured, Attention Turns to the Long Game

In an international calendar packed with marquee tournaments, it’s easy to overlook these A tours. But they are crucial. They test depth, develop resilience, and identify future leaders. This SA A vs WI A series was not just about winning; it was about answering questions.