August 17, 2024

Shamar Joseph and Wiaan Mulder grab headlines on 17-wicket opening day

South Africa’s Bowlers Dominate as West Indies Struggle

Shamar Joseph marked his international debut in Guyana with a five-wicket haul, but Wiaan Mulder career-best 4 for 18 stole the spotlight on a challenging pitch at Providence Stadium. South Africa, having been bowled out for 160, holds a 63-run lead over West Indies, who are struggling at 97 for 7.

The day saw 17 wickets fall, the highest number in a single day at this venue in just three Test matches. Both teams faced a pitch offering significant swing, seam movement, and bounce, which greatly favored the bowlers. Unlike the rain-affected Trinidad Test, the Guyana match was played under clear skies with fast bowlers dominating. They delivered 68 of the 82.2 overs, claiming 15 wickets. Only Jason Holder from either side’s top six scored more than 30 runs.

South Africa’s crucial 10th-wicket partnership of 63 between Dane Piedt and Nandre Burger provided them with a vital advantage. The day began with movement off the pitch and through the air, causing early trouble. Aiden Markram edged a delivery from Jayden Seales, and Tony de Zorzi was bowled by a delivery from Joseph. Joseph’s impressive debut continued as he took three early wickets, including dismissing South African captain Temba Bavuma for a duck, leaving South Africa at 20 for 3 by the first drinks break.

West Indies Push Hard, but Piedt Rescues South Africa

David Bedingham hit the first boundary off Shamar Joseph in the Global T20 Canada League, but Tristan Stubbs struggled to score, facing 19 balls for his first run. Stubbs survived a close lbw appeal and edged a delivery just short of second slip before gaining confidence. Despite some close calls, such as Bedingham’s lucky escape when hitting Jomel Warrican over mid-on, West Indies managed to keep South Africa on edge.

Stubbs, who had reached 26, was finally dismissed by Kavem Hodge’s sharp catch at third slip just before lunch. South Africa were at 64 for 4 at the break. After lunch, Joseph nearly dismissed Bedingham with a delivery that beat the inside edge, but a review upheld the decision. Shortly after, Joseph secured Bedingham’s wicket with a catch behind.

West Indies continued to apply pressure, with Jayden Seales dismissing Wiaan Mulder and Kyle Verreynne nearly being out off the next ball but dropped. Seales then bowled Keshav Maharaj and Rabada, while Joseph also dismissed Verreynne. South Africa was in trouble at 97 for 9, facing the risk of their lowest-ever score against West Indies.

However, Dane Piedt came to the rescue. He pushed South Africa past 100 with a series of boundaries, including a cover drive for four and a six off Gudakesh Motie. West Indies’ frustration grew as they unsuccessfully reviewed two chances and dealt with injuries to Joseph and wicketkeeper Joshua da Silva. Despite the setbacks, Piedt’s batting provided South Africa with a crucial boost.

Piedt and Burger Boost South Africa, West Indies Struggle for Final Wicket

Dane Piedt and Nandre Burger helped South Africa surpass their previous lowest Test score of 141 in the West Indies. West Indies’ spinner Gudakesh Motie took Burger’s wicket for his first of the series 17 minutes after the scheduled tea break, when Burger was out lbw.

With South Africa’s lead bolstered, they started the fielding session with confidence. Kagiso Rabada nearly had a breakthrough on his third delivery but was denied by a review that showed the ball was missing the stumps. However, Burger soon struck, dismissing Mikyle Louis with a good-length delivery that beat the edge.

Keacy Carty enjoyed some success against Burger, hitting three boundaries off his next two overs, prompting the introduction of Wiaan Mulder. Mulder made an immediate impact, removing West Indian captain Kraigg Brathwaite with a delivery that slipped through the bat-pad gap. Mulder then took a stunning one-handed catch off his own bowling to dismiss Alick Athanaze and later got Kavem Hodge caught at third slip.

With only three seamers available, Burger struggled but was brought back in. Despite some wayward deliveries, Bavuma’s strategic placement of a leg slip helped as Carty was caught by Keshav Maharaj, leaving West Indies at 47 for 5.

West Indies had a brief scare when Jason Holder’s lbw dismissal was overturned on review, but Mulder soon took his fourth wicket by dismissing Joshua da Silva. Holder fought back with three quick boundaries and a 41-run stand with Motie, but Maharaj had the last word, dismissing Motie lbw before stumps. West Indies ended the day 63 runs behind with three first-innings wickets remaining, setting up a potentially dramatic final day.