2nd Test
Day-1 Highlights:
Pacers have played a crucial role in claiming 17 wickets on Day 1 in Guyana
South Africa scored 160/10 (1st Innings) & West Indies scored 97/7 (1st Innings).
So, finally South Africa lead by 63 runs.
A dramatic day of Test cricket at the Providence Stadium in Guyana saw 17 wickets fall on Day 1.
After a rain-marred draw in Port of Spain, where 148 overs were lost, the second Test began in stark contrast.
Shamar Joseph (5 for 33) and Jayden Seales (3 for 45) dismantled South Africa’s batting lineup, but Nandre Burger (2 for 32) and Wiaan Mulder (4 for 18) hit back hard, leaving the West Indies struggling at 97 for 7 by the close of play, with South Africa still ahead by 63 runs.
South Africa won the toss and elected to bat on what appeared to be a favorable surface with a decent grass cover.
Aiden Markram got the Proteas off to a positive start, driving through cover for four in the first over.
However, Tony de Zorzi, who had shown good form in Trinidad, was bowled through the gate as the ball seamed back in sharply.
With some lateral movement, the West Indian pacers kept the South Africans in check during the first hour.
Joseph, brought in to replace Kemar Roach, made an immediate impact in his third over.
He first bowled Markram, who misjudged a delivery outside off-stump that nipped back in sharply.
Joseph then trapped captain Temba Bavuma lbw with a low delivery that also jagged in.
Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham tried to counter-attack after drinks, but Stubbs fell, edging to slip.
Bedingham and Mulder soon followed, both edging to the keeper, as Joseph tore through the South African middle order.
Joseph then returned to clean up Keshav Maharaj, with the South African innings unraveling quickly as three wickets fell in the space of 10 balls.
Seales bowled Kagiso Rabada, and Joseph completed his third Test five-fer by castling Kyle Verreyenne.
With South Africa reeling at 97 for 9, Nandre Burger and Dane Piedt staged a gritty last-wicket partnership, adding 63 runs.
They punished loose deliveries and kept the West Indies at bay for 20 overs, frustrating the bowlers.
Gudakesh Motie’s control wavered, allowing Piedt to hit a four and a six in a single over.
However, the resistance ended when Motie trapped Burger lbw, closing South Africa’s innings at 160 by Tea.
Despite going into the break on a high, the West Indies’ fortunes quickly shifted.
Burger produced a brilliant delivery to uproot Mikyle Louis’ off-stump in the second over.
Keacy Carty, who had a promising debut the previous week, struck a flurry of boundaries to get the scoreboard ticking.
But South Africa’s decision to bring Mulder on early paid off as he immediately bowled captain Kraigg Brathwaite.
Alick Athanaze was next to fall, with Mulder holding onto a sharp return catch.
Mulder then claimed another scalp, with Hodge edging to third slip, making it three wickets in as many overs.
Carty, who had been counter-attacking positively, was dismissed flicking one to midwicket off Burger.
Mulder then returned to take out Joshua da Silva, leaving the West Indies reeling at 56 for 6.
Jason Holder responded with a couple of boundaries off Mulder, while Motie occupied the crease.
However, with stumps approaching, Motie was adjudged lbw to Maharaj after missing a pull shot, bringing an end to a thrilling day of Test cricket.
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