South Africa strengthened their hold on the hosts West Indies in the ongoing Test match at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet. There are three days left in the Test match. West Indies need 143 to make South Africa bat again, while South Africa need to take 6 wickets to win by an innings.
The day started much even as South Africa just had a lead of 31. Early wickets could make the match competitive. However, Quinton de Kock single-handedly took the match away from the West Indies.
Rassie van der Dussen went for 46, off Jason Holder. Wiaan Mulder provided good support to de Kock and added 52 runs for the sixth wicket. But South Africa lost three wickets inside an hour of the lunch break.
South Africa were 233/8 at this point. West Indies – they had been bowled out for 97 – should have kept the lead under 152. But de Kock found support in Anrich Nortje. The duo added 79, of which Nortje contributed just 7. De Kock raced to his sixth Test century and eventually remained unbeaten on a career best of 141.
South Africa were finally all out for 233. For West Indies, Holder got 4-75, but Jayden Seales failed to add any wicket to his three from Day 1.
The South African bowlers were on the money from the beginning. Kraigg Brathwaite went first, leg-before to Kagiso Rabada, as did Kieran Powell. Nortje then took out Shai Hope and Kyle Mayers in consecutive overs.
West Indies vs South Africa: Chase and Blackwood aim for a long partnership
Roston Chase and Jermaine Blackwood are still there. They have batted for over 12 overs to take West Indies from 51/4 to 82/4, but their job is far from over. On Day 3, they will have to reduce the deficit as much as possible and rest their hopes on Holder and the bowlers to do the same.
But realistically, South Africa should wrap this match within a session. West Indies will do well to take the fight beyond lunch.
Key Players
Roston Chase (West Indies): It looks difficult, but Chase has been there, done that, and is the best bet if West Indies want to bat out all of Day 3. He will, however, need support Blackwood and Holder.
Anrich Nortje (South Africa): In current form, Nortje is probably a greater threat than both Rabada and Ngidi. If Nortje gets his rhythm early, South Africa may wrap up this one soon.
Prediction
South Africa to close the match and win by an innings in the second session of Day 3.