A superb unbeaten century from Jordan Hermann wasn’t enough as New Zealand A sealed a consolation 18-run victory on the DLS Method in the final one-day match against South Africa A in Benoni on Wednesday.
Hermann, who had struck a hundred and taken three wickets in game two, finished 14 runs short of a double century. The left-hander blazed 186* off 153 balls with 26 fours and three sixes – his fourth List A century.
Rivaldo Moonsamy provided strong support with 73 off 88 balls (eight fours, two sixes) as the hosts posted 348-5 after winning the toss and batting first. Hermann shared a 159-run stand for the second wicket with Moonsamy, before adding 75 with captain Marques Ackerman (25) and 54 with Sinethemba Qeshile (24).
Rubin Hermann, who had hit 158* and 109 in the first two matches, fell cheaply for 13.
In reply, New Zealand A launched a spirited chase. Tshepo Moreki (1-59) struck with his third ball to remove Rhys Mariu for nought, but Dale Phillips dominated with 147 off 109 deliveries (18 fours, five sixes). He put on 135 with Joe Carter (47) and 113 with Muhammad Abbas (66 off 70 balls, six fours) before falling, leaving the tourists on track.
When rain arrived with five overs remaining, the visitors were 310-4 – ahead on the DLS calculations – to clinch an 18-run win. Jordan Hermann was also the pick of the SA A bowlers with 2-57.
The result ended the series 2-1 in favour of the hosts, who had already wrapped up victory.
The teams now turn their attention to a two-match four-day series starting in Potchefstroom on Sunday.
Photo: @ProteasMenCSA/X