South Africa A clinch series win

South Africa A's decision to bowl first, prompted by the evening dew, came good as New Zealand A batted poorly and were rolled out for 125 on a good pitch at Sedgars Park in Potchefstroom. South Africa A made easy work of the target, sealing the match, and with it the series, in 25.2 overs.

Five batsmen failed to trouble the scorers. Matthew Bell, Gareth Hopkins, Paul Wiseman, Kerry Walmsley and Jeetan Patel all made ducks, while Matthew Sinclair could only manage 5. Playing across the line cost batsmen dear, while James Franklin was left to show the others how it should have been done. Playing down the line and down the ground, he topscored with 36 not out. Richard Sherlock (15) aided Franklin in the biggest partnership of the innings -32 for the 10th wicket.

There were flashes of determination from Jamie How (20), Ross Taylor (22) and Lou Vincent (16) but on the whole nothing that would have raised any eyebrows. For South Africa Charl Willoughby pocketed three wickets while Justin Kemp deceived with his slower ball and was gifted three wickets. In addition, five leg-before decisions were given and perhaps Sherlock was unlucky.

Andrew Hall would be upset with himself for driving and edging outside the off and being dismissed cheaply. Then, clinical half centuries from van Wyk and Neil McKenzie made easy work of the small target on a pitch that played as well as it looked.

SuperSport Park in Centurion hosts the third and last match of the series in a day match on Sunday, October 3.