WEST INDIES Championship XI put on another strong display with the bat on day two of the warm-up match against South Africa at Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, but the visitors fought back in the afternoon session to set up a keenly contested tie.
After Jeremy Solozano scored an impressive 111 runs on day one, overnight batsman Shamar Springer also showed mettle as he slammed 131 on the second day, to lead the hosts to 397 all out.
In response, South Africa were led to a stern 172/2 at stumps, guided by opener Aiden Markram, who slammed 82 before retiring hurt.
When play resumed on day two with the Indies Championship XI on 245/6, Springer returned with a vengeance and carried his overnight score of 45 to a well-worked 131. He slammed 16 fours and three sixes and faced 212 balls.
Also contributing nicely with the bat was Joshua Bishop as he scored a half-century from 78 balls.
Topping the bowling for South Africa were Dane Piedt (3/41), Kagiso Rabada (3/47) and Keshav Maharaj (1/39).
In their turn at the crease, the Proteas lost opener Tony de Zorzi (nine) with the score on 36 but Markram (82) and Tristan Stubbs (eight) built an 87-run partnership before he retired hurt.
Fine knocks from Temba Bavuma (36 not out) and David Bedingham (35 not out) carried the visitors to 172/2 after 52 overs at the close of play.
Day three resumes on August 2.
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