Zubayr Hamza’s century wasn’t enough as South Africa A suffered a 185-run defeat to New Zealand A in the first four-day match in Potchefstroom.
The top-order batsman made 124 off 169 balls (15 fours, two sixes) as the hosts were bowled out for 312 chasing an unlikely target of 498 at the JB Marks Oval.
The result gave the tourists, who lost the one-day series 2-1, a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
SA A had resumed on 106-1, with Hamza and in-form opener Jordan Hermann well set in a 103-run second-wicket stand. But Hermann fell to the first ball of the day, bowled by Adithya Ashok (4-100), and that dismissal set the tone.
Captain Marques Ackerman joined Hamza and added 91 for the third wicket to take the South Africans to 197-2 approaching lunch. Hamza brought up his 19th first-class hundred during the stand, while Ackerman fell just short of a half-century on 47 when Josh Clarkson (1-19) removed him.
Jason Smith (eight) followed soon after, and Hamza was next to go, dealing a major blow to the hosts’ hopes. The best of the lower order resistance came from Sinethemba Qeshile with 36.
South Africa A were eventually dismissed for 312.
The second match starts on Sunday at Willowmoore Park in Benoni.
Photo: @ProteasMenCSA/X
