The West Indies A folded to an innings and 88-run defeat at the hands of a dominant South Africa A side on Wednesday, falling well short in their bid to salvage pride on the final day of the lopsided first unofficial four-day ‘Test’ at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St. Lucia.
After being dismissed for 240 in their first innings, the West Indies A then watched helplessly as the visitors amassed a massive 600 for seven declared, and, at that point, the Caribbean outfit had only faint hopes of redemption.
Furthermore, the fact that they resumed at 251 for six on the final day, 109 runs behind, meant their task was always going to be difficult, and their resistance, as expected, was short-lived.
The defeat was a sobering reminder of the gulf in quality, particularly in batting temperament and bowling execution, as West Indies A managed just 512 runs across both innings, compared to South Africa A’s mammoth single-innings effort.
Resuming with their backs against the wall, West Indies A lost their remaining four wickets for just 22 runs in a collapse orchestrated by the persistent spin of Prenelan Subrayen and the disciplined medium pace of Tristan Luus.
The pair tore through the lower order, as Subrayen claimed five for 82 and Luus supported with four for 86.
The writing was on the wall early when Luus struck to remove Khary Pierre for a 19-ball duck, and from there it was a steady procession.
Subrayen then dismissed Johann Layne (12) and Oshane Thomas (zero) in quick succession before Luus returned to deliver the final blow when he removed Ronaldo Alimohamed for a defiant 40.
The Caribbean side will now turn its attention to the second match of the series, set to begin Sunday at the same venue, with hopes of regrouping and producing a more competitive performance.
Scores: West Indies A 240 & 272; South Africa A 600-7 declared.
