Erwee and Hamza tons headline South Africa A effort

Sarel Erwee and Zubayr Hamza recorded impressive centuries for South Africa ‘A’ on a batsmen-friendly opening day of their three-day, warm-up match against the Indian Board President’s XI in Bengaluru on Monday.
Captain Khaya Zondo won the toss and elected to bat first. Erwee and Pieter Malan got the visitors off to the perfect start, laying a solid foundation with a 161-run opening stand before the latter was trapped LBW by Jalaj Saxena (1/54), soon after notching up his half-century (51 off 84 balls, 7 fours). The tourists ended the day’s play on 389/2.
Malan’s departure did little to slow down the scoring rate. Erwee dispatched the ball to all parts of the grounds before going on to reach his sixth first-class century. Along with Hamza, the pair helped the visitors dominate proceedings before Erwee retired hurt on 117 (off 137 balls, 17 fours and 1 six) soon after lunch.
Joined by the skipper at the crease, Hamza reached his 10th first-class century at a more measured, but no less outstanding rate. It was another tough partnership for the home side as Zondo also proved to be a tricky opponent at the other end, going on to bring up his half-century before falling on 67 off 102 balls (11 fours) at the hands of Dharmendrasinh Jadeja (1/51).
Hamza is unbeaten on 104 off 166 balls (13 fours, 1 six), with Rassie van der Dussen (35*) set to resume play on Day Two.
All 15 players in the South Africa ‘A’ squad will get an opportunity in the match.
SA A squad (to play in four-day series against India A): Khaya Zondo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins, capt), Sarel Erwee (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Zubayr Hamza (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Beuran Hendricks (bizhub Highveld Lions), Pieter Malan (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Senuran Muthusamy (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Mthiwekhaya Nabe (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Anrich Nortje (Warriors), Duanne Olivier (VKB Knights), Dane Piedt (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Dwaine Pretorius (bizhub Highveld Lions), Rudi Second (VKB Knights), Rassie van der Dussen (bizhub Highveld Lions), Malusi Siboto (bizhub Highveld Lions), Shaun von Berg (Multiply Titans).
Latest
-
News
Sri Lanka close in on England’s lead behind century from Lahiru Thirimanne
Sri Lanka trail by 44 at lunch on day three of the first Test.
-
News
Sri Lanka v England Day Three: Joe Root at the double but Sri Lanka show grit
Captain Root had ended day one on 66, day two on 168 and marched onwards to 228 on the third morning.
-
News
Jack Leach admits there is room for improvement as Sri Lanka frustrate England
Leach and Sam Curran struck for the tourists in the hosts’ second innings.
-
News
Joe Root’s double century keeps England in command despite rally from Sri Lanka
Captain Root had ended day one on 66, day two on 168 and marched onwards to 228 on the third morning.
-
News
England captain Joe Root reaches fine double century before Sri Lanka fight back
Root was the last man out for England after scoring 228 to record a fourth double ton for his country.
-
News
Captain Joe Root completes fine double century as England build formidable lead
Root became only the fifth England player to score a Test double hundred in Asia.
-
News
Sri Lanka v England Day 2: Joe Root excels alongside Dan Lawrence
The England captain and his new team-mate added 173 to build England’s advantage.
-
News
Nine rookies in Pakistan squad for South Africa series
Pakistan have included nine uncapped players in their 20-man squad for the two-Tests against South Africa, starting on January 26.
-
News
Labuschagne upset after not scoring ‘big’ hundred
Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne might have been the star of the show on the first day of the fourth Test against India.
-
News
Joe Root backs up plea for strong England start with century against Sri Lanka
The skipper had urged his team to impress from the word go and led by example with 168 not out in Galle.