Ingram, Kleinveldt pull off tight chase

Colin Ingram and Rory Kleinveldt, in partnership, helped South Africa A edge past Zimbabwe A in a tight chase in the third match of the tri-series in Harare. An unbeaten 89 from Ingram, batting at No. 3, anchored the chase of 243, while Kleinveldt knocked off 40 from 25 balls just as the required-rate looked like it might get out of South Africa's control. The win put South Africa at the head of the table at the end of the first round of matches in the series, which also features Sri Lanka A.

South Africa looked in trouble in the chase when half their side was dismissed by the halfway mark, with only 114 on the board. They slipped further, losing their sixth wicket on 144 and their seventh man on 182 in the 40th. That meant they needed 59 off the last 10, with Ingram and Kleinveldt at the crease. And Kleinveldt delivered: he took three sixes and a four of the part-time spin of Malcolm Waller in two overs, to drag down the required-rate. With Ingram solid at the other end, South Africa eventually eased home with four overs to spare.

Zimbabwe's total was built around three batsmen. Captain Tino Mawoyo, after Zimbabwe were inserted, scored his second half-century in two games - 52 off 82 balls - to give the hosts a steady beginning. The impetus was supplied by Sikandar Raza, whose 81 off 89 included six fours and two sixes, and Craig Ervine - 49 off 44 balls. The South Africa bowlers, like their Zimbabwe counterparts later in the game, shared the wickets around.