August 11, 2024

Maharaj, Rabada’s Perfect Mini-day puts South Africa in Position to Push for Win

West Indies Collapse After South Africa Sets Up Dominant Position

West Indies experienced a dramatic collapse, losing 6 wickets for just 60 runs and surrendering a hefty 154-run lead at the close of a rain-affected yet gripping day. South Africa, having declared their innings at 357, now holds a commanding position with a 154-run advantage. At stumps, they were 30 for 0 with openers de Zorzi (14*) and Markram (9*) unbeaten. Earlier, the West Indies were bowled out for 233, with Carty contributing a solid 42 and Holder adding 36. South Africa’s bowlers were in fine form, with Maharaj taking 4 for 76 and Rabada claiming 3 for 56.

Thrilling Final Day Ahead as South Africa Seizes Control

What initially seemed like a draw-bound Test is now set for a thrilling conclusion, weather permitting, after South Africa took decisive action on the fourth evening. Despite only two hours of play on Saturday, South Africa established a 124-run first-innings lead by dismissing the West Indies for 233 and then scoring 30 runs in just five overs.

Rain has been a constant disruptor throughout the match, with more than 50mm falling in some areas of the island, triggering a yellow-level alert. Play seemed doubtful this morning, but after a six-hour delay, action resumed at Queen’s Park Oval, where South Africa took charge. They triggered a dramatic West Indies collapse of 6 wickets for 60 runs in just 16.1 overs, ending the day with a strong position.

Despite significant interruptions—only 15 overs were possible on the first day and just 30 on the fourth—the match has been absorbing and dynamic. With the weather improving, the final day promises an exciting finish.

South Africa’s Spin Attack Dominates as West Indies Collapse

Play resumed with South Africa just 13 overs away from the second new ball, employing spin from both ends to start the day. Aiden Markram, tasked with leading the attack, faced immediate pressure from Jason Holder, who smacked the first delivery through the covers for four. Holder continued his assault with shots over mid-off and towards deep midwicket. However, Markram triumphed in this contest by uprooting Holder’s off-stump in his tenth over. Shortly after, Keshav Maharaj claimed his fourth wicket by having Joshua da Silva caught at mid-on.

Maharaj almost secured a fifth wicket in his subsequent over when Kemar Roach, on 0, edged a chance towards David Bedingham at silly point. Despite Bedingham’s swift reactions, the ball narrowly evaded his grasp.

As soon as the new ball became available, South Africa opted to stick with the spinners. Markram bowled an eight-over spell before Kagiso Rabada took over and claimed his 292nd Test wicket with his fourth delivery. Bedingham, positioned at first slip, made no mistake in catching Kavem Hodge. Rabada’s relentless accuracy dismantled the West Indies’ lower order. Gudakesh Motie edged a full delivery to Markram at second slip after playing a loose shot, and Roach was dismissed lbw after a review confirmed three reds on ball-tracking.

Seales’ Resistance and Markram’s Flourish Define a Busy Day

Jayden Seales demonstrated positive intent by ending Maharaj’s 39th over with a boundary over midwicket. However, Maharaj’s quest for a ten-wicket haul was thwarted by Lungi Ngidi, who replaced Rabada and dismissed Seales for his first wicket of the match. Maharaj’s impressive spell lasted 40 overs across two days, bowled unchanged from the Media Centre end.

With rain forecast for Sunday, South Africa sought to maximize their run tally. Markram and de Zorzi took an aggressive approach at the crease, displaying sharp footwork and quick running. Markram showcased his prowess with consecutive cover drives off Roach’s second over. In the final over of the day, de Zorzi struck Seales through point for four. However, his subsequent thick edge off a wide delivery was spilled by Hodge at first slip, who fumbled the chance after a brief hesitation. This miss capped a challenging day for the West Indies.