South Africa A vs West Indies A - South Africa A Tour of West Indies 2025 - Day 1 Report

South Africa A vs West Indies A: Day 1 Standoff at Daren Sammy Stadium

Summary

The opening day of the 1st Unofficial Test between South Africa A and West Indies A had everything a cricket purist dreams of—wickets tumbling in bunches, pace attacks biting into the surface, and openers quietly asserting themselves before stumps. Held at the ever-watchful Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia, this game may not carry official status, but try telling that to the 22 players fighting for recognition and future call-ups.

Short Scorecard – Day 1

West Indies A – 240 all out in 63.4 overs

• Mikyle Louis – 57 (70)

• Tevin Imlach – 61 (105)

• Okuhle Cele – 4/35

• Tshepo Moreki – 3/56

South Africa A – 68/0 in 15 overs

• Jordan Hermann – 31* (49)

• Lesego Senokwane – 28* (45)

South Africa A trails by 172 runs at stumps on Day 1.

A Promising Start for South Africa A in Unofficial Test Series

Let’s be honest unofficial doesn’t mean unimportant. In fact, for both South Africa A and West Indies A, this series is a proving ground. With a generation of players waiting for a break into the senior side, this first Test was less a warm-up and more of a calling card.

The hosts opted to bat after losing the toss, a move that would challenge their top and middle order with mixed results. South Africa A, led by skipper Marques Ackerman, threw down a clear gauntlet by electing to bowl first. As it turned out, their pace battery made sure that decision didn’t backfire.

West Indies A: Flourish, Collapse, and Resistance

The West Indies A innings was a study in stop-start momentum. Mikyle Louis, the flashy right-hander from the Leeward Islands, was all aggression early on, stroking 7 boundaries and a six in his 57 off 70. He, along with John Campbell (33 off 43), gave the team a brisk 79-run start. Then came the slide.

From 79-0, the score slumped to 110-5, thanks largely to Okuhle Cele, the bustling right-arm seamer who ran riot through the middle order. His final figures of 4/35 were a bowler's dream—tight lines, tidy economy (3.40), and the prized wickets of Louis, Anderson, and Thomas.

The lone act of defiance came from skipper Tevin Imlach, who played a patient hand. His 61 from 105 deliveries anchored the lower order, and despite the revolving door at the other end, he kept West Indies A from folding under 200.

Tshepo Moreki, underrated yet effective, worked over the tail and picked up 3/56. Backed by Tristan Luus and Jason Smith, the visitors wrapped up the innings for 240—perhaps a few runs short on a surface offering just enough for the seamers.

South Africa A's Opening Punch: Calm and Commanding

Enter South Africa A’s openers: Lesego Senokwane and Jordan Hermann. Far from the barnstorming strokes of their West Indian counterparts, this was a tale of balance, patience, and precision.

Senokwane’s 28 off 45 and Hermann’s 31 off 49 weren’t headline-grabbers, but they made a statement—solid footwork, willingness to grind, and respect for conditions. They took South Africa A to 68 without loss in just 15 overs, maintaining a run rate of 4.53, which quietly underscored who had the upper hand at stumps.

The West Indies A attack, with Oshane Thomas and Johann Layne, looked less threatening with the new ball than they had hoped. Neither pace nor bounce troubled the openers much, and the absence of a breakthrough might give the visitors the edge heading into Day 2.

Okuhle Cele and Tevin Imlach: Day 1 Heroes

If one had to name the standout players, two names jump straight out. Okuhle Cele, the quick from KwaZulu-Natal, made a statement that his line-and-length game is not just domestic fluff. He hunted the middle order, bagging four wickets with fierce intent.

On the other end of the emotional scale was Tevin Imlach. Wicketkeeper, captain, and anchor he ticked every box. His half-century came under pressure, and while it didn’t result in a towering total, it showed grit that selectors look for.

What Lies Ahead: Day 2 Preview

With the pitch flattening slightly under the St Lucian sun and the ball softening, Day 2 could very well belong to the batters. South Africa A has the tools to post a first-innings lead if they navigate the morning session. Watch out for middle-order power from the likes of Jason Smith and Marques Ackerman.

But don’t write off West Indies A yet. They have bounce in their bowling and depth in their spin, especially from Khary Pierre and Subrayen, who could find purchase later in the day.

Momentum, though, is clearly with South Africa A. And if the current openers push past 100 without loss, they’ll be laying a strong foundation to control the Test match.

Final Thoughts: A Battle of Futures

This isn’t just a four-day match between two A teams; it’s a window into the future of Test cricket. With players like Cele, Imlach, Louis, and Hermann on display, selectors will be paying close attention. For fans, this series offers a less-glamorous but highly authentic version of international cricket a place where reputations begin.

As Day 1 closes with South Africa A trailing by 172 but with all 10 wickets in hand, the storyline for Day 2 writes itself: can the visitors build a lead or will West Indies A strike back with renewed venom?