Windies rally before Proteas set huge target

Reduced to 73/7 at one point, the Proteas recovered to post a total of 174 and set the West Indies a target of 324 thanks to an unbeaten 75 from Rassie van der Dussen and a career-best 40 from Kagiso Rabada.

With rain ruining the first session, South Africa commenced their second innings after lunch and were off to a less than ideal start when Kemar Roach (4/52) drew an outside edge from Aiden Markram (4) that was pouched by Jason Holder at second slip.

Seven overs later, Roach and Holder combined again to remove Dean Elgar for 10.

Kyle Mayers’ (3/24) introduction in the 14th over then proved a masterstroke from captain Kraigg Brathwaite, as the all-rounder struck with just his second delivery – Keegan Petersen chopping on for 18 to reduce South Africa to 44/3.

Mayers struck again in his third over, drawing an outside edge from Kyle Verreynne (6). That was the start of three wickets in as many overs for the West Indies, as Holder (1/24) struck in the very next to remove the in-form Quinton de Kock for a duck before Wiaan Mulder perished for naught to Mayers.

Going into an early tea due to rain, South Africa were 63/6, leading by 213, with the one plus being the presence of van der Dussen who had made his way to 26

When play resumed, Jayden Seales (1/34) got in on the act, drawing an edge from Keshav Maharaj (6) that was caught spectacularly by Holder at full stretch, diving to his right at second slip.

The Proteas were in real strife at 73/7 at that stage, but in Rabada, van der Dussen found a ready and willing partner.

The tailender put the sword to the West Indies bowlers, hitting five fours and a six as he raced to 40 in 48 balls before perishing to Roach. The pair added 71 runs for the eighth wicket, with van der Dussen bringing up his half-century off 103 balls along the way.

When Roach removed Anrich Nortje in his next over, the West Indies would have hoped for a quick finish to the innings but South Africa would manage another 22 runs before Brathwaite had Lung Ngidi stumped for 6 to end the Proteas’ match with the bat.

The West Indies finished the day at 15/0, with Brathwaite (5) and Kieran Powell (9) at the crease.