Kaitano, Naqvi dig in to carry Zimbabwe Emerging to a draw

Zimbabwe Emerging – 399 and 217-4 in 80 overs (Takudzwanashe Kaitano 77, Antum Naqvi 65*, Nick Welch 34; Jade de Klerk 2/49, Andile Simelane 1/27, Dian Forrester 1/38)

South Africa Emerging – 595 all out in 125.1 overs (Lesego Senokwane 281, Modiri Litheko 105, Dian Forrester 71; Antum Naqvi 6/128, Ernest Masuku 2/95, Tapiwa Mufudza 1/113)

Match drawn

Solid fifties from Takudzwanashe Kaitano and Antum Naqvi carried the Zimbabwe Emerging men’s team through to a comfortable draw against their South African counterparts in their second four-day match at Queens Sports Club on Saturday.

The home side, after conceding a lead of 196 runs on the first innings, began the day at 49 for no wicket, needing to bat through the final day to avoid defeat.

At 54 they lost the wicket of Nick Welch, who played a ball from Andile Simelani on to his stumps for 34.

Ryan Kamwemba made 12 and Larvet Masunda 11, so three wickets were down for 106.

However, Kaitano was still there, and he played the most valuable innings for his side, scoring a very solid 77 off 203 balls, just the innings that was needed.

When he was fourth out at 185, the match was virtually safe.

He had good support from Naqvi, who followed up his first-innings century with a patient unbeaten 65 this time.

With no chance of a result, the match was given up early with the Zimbabweans on 217 for four wickets.