South Africa Emerging fight back on day two against Zimbabwe

ASHLEY DUBE 

BULAWAYO – South Africa Emerging made a strong reply to Zimbabwe Emerging's impressive first innings total of 399 all out on Thursday at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. The opening batsmen for South Africa, Modiri Litheko and Lesego Senokwane, both scored centuries, leaving their team comfortably placed at 267 for 2 at the close of play.

Zimbabwe Emerging, resuming on 308 for 6, extended their lead thanks to a series of useful contributions from the lower order. 

Antum Naqvi, who had been on 130 overnight, was dismissed without adding to his score, but a valuable last-wicket partnership of 52 between Arineshto Vhezha (20 not out) and Tapiwa Mufudza (36) pushed the total past 390. 

Mufudza was the last wicket to fall, with Zimbabwe needing only one run to reach 400. Andile Mokgakane was the pick of the South African bowlers, taking four wickets for 56 runs. 

The South Africans, however, responded with a flurry of runs. 

Litheko, in particular, was aggressive, reaching his century off just 121 balls, hitting a six and 11 fours before falling lbw to Naqvi for 105. 

Senokwane, showing remarkable composure, also reached his century and ended the day unbeaten on 127. 

Dian Forrester was on 17 as the South Africans look to build on their strong start and put pressure on the Zimbabwean bowlers on day three.