TSHWANE - A resolute display of skill by Andile Mogakane and Matthew Boast resonated with both bat and ball, as South Africa Emerging scripted a compelling redemption tale with a 23-run victory over Zimbabwe Emerging in the second one-dayer held at Tshwane on Tuesday.

Having chosen to field after winning the toss at the Groenkloof Oval, the touring Zimbabweans faced an assertive batting performance from the hosts. Dafabet Warriors' all-rounder Mogakane took the lead, blazing his way to a commanding 70 off 60 deliveries, adorned with 7 fours and 2 sixes. Meanwhile, Momentum Multiply Titans' Boast held his own, crafting an unbeaten 51 off 63 balls, laced with 4 fours and 1 six. Their collaborative effort steered the home side to a substantial 295 for nine within their 50 overs.

In response, Zimbabwe's chase encountered hurdles, culminating in a total of 272 all out in 43.2 overs. Boast showcased his prowess, finishing with three wickets for 68 runs. Liam Alder emerged as a standout bowler, notching three wickets for 35 runs, followed by Nealan van Heerden's two for 65. Mogakane's precision was evident in his none for 35, displaying economy in his spell.

This triumph was a sparkling response from the South African contingent after their previous loss by six wickets in the series opener.

The hosts faced early adversity, losing Jordan Hermann (9), Valentine Kitime (7), and Daniel Smith (1) swiftly. It was Joshua Richards (43) and skipper Mitchell van Buuren (42) who orchestrated the recovery, yet the team stood at 120 for five nearing the halfway mark.

Mogakane and Boast then joined forces, injecting momentum into the innings during its second half. Alongside Musa Twala's contribution of 28, they galvanized their side to set an imposing target of 296 for victory.

Zimbabwe's pursuit encountered early setbacks, with Nealan van Heerden and Boast striking within the first four overs, leaving the visitors at 24 for two. A spirited onslaught by Wesley Madhevere (55 off 28 balls) added a dash of hope. Though removed by Nealan van Heerden, captain Roy Kia (33) and Clive Madande (40) managed to maintain Zimbabwe's run-rate advantage.

South Africa, however, chipped away, making crucial breakthroughs. Despite Brandon Mavuta's fiery 66 off 59 balls (11 fours), the visiting side was eventually bowled out with nearly five overs remaining.

South Africa Emerging Squad against Zimbabwe Emerging:

Mitchell van Buuren (DP World Lions, captain), Liam Alder (Dafabet Warriors), Matthew Boast (Momentum Multiply Titans), Okuhle Cele (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Michael Copeland (Gbets Rocks), Jordan Hermann (Dafabet Warriors), Valentine Kitime (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Andile Mogakane (Dafabet Warriors), Peter Nqaba (DP World Lions), Siya Plaatjie (Dafabet Warriors), Joshua Richards (DP World Lions), Daniel Smith (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Musa Twala (Momentum Multiply Titans), George van Heerden (Dafabet Warriors), and Nealan van Heerden (Dafabet Warriors).

Management:

Malibongwe Maketa (Head Coach), Mandla Mashimbyi (Assistant Coach), Ashler Serwadi (Team Manager), Tumi Masekela (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Arishana Maghoo (Physiotherapist), and Hendrikus Coetzen (Video Analyst).

South Africa Emerging Tour against Zimbabwe Itinerary:

Sunday, 13 August at 09:30: South Africa Emerging lost to Zimbabwe Emerging by 6 wickets at Groenkloof Oval, Tshwane

Tuesday, 15 August at 09:30: South Africa Emerging beat Zimbabwe Emerging by 23 runs at Groenkloof Oval, Tshwane

Friday, 18 August at 09:30: South Africa Emerging vs Zimbabwe Emerging at Groenkloof Oval, Tshwane

Monday, 21 August at 09:30: South Africa Emerging vs Zimbabwe Emerging at Groenkloof Oval, Tshwane

Wednesday, 23 August at 09:30: South Africa Emerging vs Zimbabwe Emerging at Groenkloof Oval, Tshwane
[Submitted by Estea Rademeyer]