Tag: Queen’sParkOval

The fourth day of the Test match between South Africa and West Indies at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago witnessed a dramatic turn of events, setting the stage for a thrilling final day. Despite rain interruptions and a delayed start, South Africa seized control of the game, leaving West Indies facing an uphill battle.

After bowling out West Indies for 233 in their first innings, South Africa gained a 124-run lead. The Proteas then added 30 runs in five overs before the close of play on Saturday, putting themselves in a strong position to push for a victory.

On Sunday, with a yellow-level weather alert in place and heavy rainfall in the area, it seemed that the match would be further delayed or even abandoned. However, after a six-hour delay, play finally commenced. South Africa wasted no time in asserting their dominance, triggering a West Indian collapse of 6 for 60 in just 16.1 overs.

The Proteas’ bowlers, led by Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, wreaked havoc on the West Indian batting lineup. Rabada claimed three wickets, while Ngidi picked up two. The West Indies were eventually bowled out for 162, giving South Africa a commanding lead of 286 runs.

With only one day remaining in the Test, South Africa will be looking to press home their advantage and secure a victory. However, the weather remains a major concern, and further rain interruptions could potentially spoil the Proteas’ plans.

Despite the challenges posed by the weather, this Test match has been a captivating affair, with both teams showing resilience and determination. The final day promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with South Africa aiming to complete a memorable victory and West Indies fighting to salvage a draw.

South Africa’s captain, Temba Bavuma, once again fell short of a century but emerged as the top scorer as the Proteas reached 344-8 at the end of the second day of the first Test against the West Indies at the Queen’s Park Oval.

Bavuma contributed a valuable 86 runs before being dismissed leg before wicket to a full toss from Jayden Seales that swung away. Opener Tony de Zorzi also made a significant contribution, scoring 76 runs.

At the close of play, Wiaan Mulder (37) and Kagiso Rabada (12) remained unbeaten and will resume batting on Friday. The hosts will be eager to dismiss the remaining batters quickly and gain an advantage in the match.

After South Africa resumed on 45-1, with most of the first day’s play lost due to rain, several batsmen made useful contributions. De Zorzi, who was 32 not out overnight, quickly reached his half-century off 78 balls.

However, his partner Tristan Stubbs was the first to be dismissed, caught at first slip off Kemar Roach for 20. De Zorzi followed soon after, gloving a reverse sweep off spinner Jomel Warrican to leg slip. David Bedingham was out for 29, caught at deep forward square leg off Seales.

Bavuma and Ryan Rickleton added 57 runs for the fifth wicket before Rickleton was trapped leg before wicket by Roach for 19, immediately after the new ball was taken. Bavuma’s dismissal highlighted his ongoing struggle to convert half-centuries into Test hundreds, having only two centuries in 57 matches for South Africa.

In the final 20 minutes of play, Warrican claimed two wickets in consecutive deliveries, both caught and bowled. Kyle Verreynne was out for 39, ending a 57-run partnership with Mulder, and Keshav Maharaj was dismissed for a first-ball duck. Rabada survived the hat-trick ball but nearly edged Warrican’s next delivery to the slips.

The flat track made it a challenging day for the bowlers, with Warrican’s figures of 3-66 being the best among them. The Proteas will be hoping to build on their solid start and post a competitive total in the first innings.