SA A fight for survival in Brisbane
South Africa A claimed five wickets in the final nine overs of play to stage a late fightback against Australia A before stumps on day three of the first four-day Test in Brisbane on Monday. The late wickets came as the hosts searched for quick runs after controlling most of the day at the Allan Border Field.
The home side, who bowled the tourists out for just 284 earlier in the day, closed on 248/7 – a commanding lead of 360 with a day to play.
The South Africans had begun play fairly well placed on 181/4 in reply to Australia’s 396 all out, but set batsman Stiaan van Zyl managed to add just five to his overnight total, before he was out for an innings-high 85 (139 balls, 13 fours).
That left Dane Vilas to bat with the tail and, despite a strong, unbeaten 60 (90 balls, 7 fours) from the wicketkeeper, there was little else support with the away team all out in 89.3 overs.
Chris Tremain was the pick of the bowlers with 5/75 in 23.3 overs.
The Australian openers then made South Africa toil as they put on 146 in 36.2 overs – Matt Renshaw top-scoring with 94 (128 balls, 14 fours, 2 sixes) and Cameron Bancroft hitting 71 (125 balls, 11 fours).
Dane Piedt (1/70) made the initial breakthrough, before Glenn Maxwell blasted 38 off just 22 balls, including 3 sixes and 2 fours to take his side past 200. Once he fell to Duanne Olivier, who was pick of the bowlers with 3/28, the rest followed.
Sisanda Magala was also amongst the wickets with 2/50.