South Africa Test batter Zubayr Hamza scored a fourth-innings century for the A team against New Zealand A on Wednesday (September 10).
Zubayr Hamza scores 19th first-class ton against New Zealand A
In the first of two four-day matches between the sides at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom, the visitors won the toss and chose to bat first on day one (September 7). They made South Africa A sweat, getting to 357-1 by stumps, with opener Rhys Mariu unbeaten on 200.
1st unofficial Test, South Africa A vs New Zealand A
vs
- Ball by ball Over
Mariu eventually made 249, his highest first-class score, as Dale Phillips also scored a century and they declared at 607-7. All seven wickets went to left-arm spinner Tsepo Ndwandwa.
South Africa's response was relatively meek: they managed just 236. Jordan Hermann and Marques Ackermann made half-centuries, but there was little other support. Test batter Zubayr Hamza was also dismissed for a golden duck. New Zealand batted again, declaring on 126-7 in 20 overs to set the hosts 498 to win.
By the end of day three, there may have been renewed hope as South Africa made it to 106-1 with Hermann on 56, and Hamza sticking around to make 47 by stumps. By lunch on the final day, they had reached 215-3, Hamza making his way to a 19th first-class century.
During the course of his knock, Hamza also crossed the 1,000-run mark for South Africa A in first-class cricket, in his 13th match for the side. He went on to make 126 even as they were bowled out for 312, losing by 185 runs.
Hamza has played eight Tests for South Africa between 2019 and 2024, the last of those coming on the tour of New Zealand that saw the Proteas send a third-string side due to the series clashing with the SA20. He averages under 20 with the bat at that level, in sharp contrast to his domestic first-class record, where he averages over 40 for every other side he has represented.
Zubayr Hamza – First-class career
| Team | Matches | Runs | Ave | 50s | 100s | High Score |
| Cape Cobras | 28 | 1816 | 43.23 | 9 | 4 | 201 |
| Gauteng | 12 | 972 | 60.75 | 7 | 3 | 118 |
| South Africa | 8 | 307 | 19.18 | 1 | 0 | 62 |
| South Africa A | 13 | 1102 | 61.22 | 2 | 4 | 222* |
| Western Province | 40 | 2863 | 51.12 | 16 | 8 | 202* |
| Overall | 101 | 7060 | 47.70 | 35 | 19 | 222* |
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