Candler, Tucker hit tons as Women’s Emerging Academy level Namibia series

Alexandra Candler and Delmi Tucker produced superb centuries to power the CSA Women’s Emerging Academy to a 228-run victory over Namibia in the second 50-over match in Windhoek on Thursday.

The win sees the visitors level the three-match series at 1-1, setting up an exciting finale.

Tucker struck an explosive 72-ball 100 (15 fours) in the top-order while Candler’s composed 107 off 134 (11 fours, 1 six) anchored the South African innings to a formidable 364-4 before an all-round bowling display by the tourists dismissed the Capricorn Eagles for 136 in 29.2 overs.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat first at the High Performance Oval, the Emerging Academy openers, Candler and Nicole de Klerk (14), guided their side to 40-0 after six overs before Eveleen Kejarukua (1-59) made the breakthrough with the wicket of De Klerk.

That scalp brought the Proteas-capped Tucker to the crease, with the experienced allrounder combining effectively with Candler to get the South African innings back on track.

The pair added a 146-run partnership for the second wicket, which saw both batters reach their respective fifties before Tucker departed off the bowling of Saima Tuhadeleni (1-43) shortly after celebrating her three-figure milestone.

With the score on 186-2 after 30 overs, Candler continued to lead the charge.

She found support in Oluhle Siyo (44), as the duo added a further 81 runs to push the Emerging Academy total to 267-2 by the 43rd over.

Although Wilka Mwatile (1-85) ended the partnership with the wicket of Siyo, new batter Kayla Reyneke added a quickfire 66 off 28 balls (9 fours, 3 sixes) alongside Candler, who was rewarded with her hundred before becoming the last wicket to fall as the Emerging Academy ended on 364-4 after 50 overs.

EAGLES FAIL TO FLY

Needing a mammoth 365 to win and clinch the series victory, the Capricorn Eagles got off to a stuttering start with bat in hand.

The home side lost three wickets in the powerplay, with captain Suné WIttmann (1), Kayleen Green (22) and the in-form Yasmeen Khan (22) removed by Caitlyn Wyngaard (2-44) and Eliz-Mari Marx (1-31) to reduce Namibia to 57-3 after 10 overs.

Even though contributions from Mezerly Gorasis (23) and Mekelaye Mwatile (25) helped the hosts reach triple figures, the Emerging Academy continued to pick up wickets regularly.

Captain Leah Jones (2-23) and Kgomotso Rapoo (2-21) added two wickets apiece, while Tucker chipped in with figures of one for three.

Their efforts saw the back of Gorases, M Mwatile, Wilka Mwatile (15), as well as tailenders Naomi Benjamin (3) and Sylvia Shihepo (9), while two run-outs further added to Namibia’s troubles

The Emerging Academy eventually bowled out Namibia for 136 with 20.4 overs to spare to level the series at 1-1 ahead of the series and tour decider on Saturday, 12 July at the High Performance Oval from 10am SAST.