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Athanaze and Rain Help West Indies Draw Match in Trinidad
Athanaze and Rain Help West Indies Draw Match in Trinidad
Alick Athanaze made a career-best 92 to help drawn the 1st test against South Africa at Port of Spain
South Africa showed determination and belief in spite of limited time to achieve a miraculous result in Trinidad, where rain had consistently disrupted play over the five days. However, the West Indies managed to hold on, all credit goes to some rain and resilient batting from Alick Athanaze. Athanaze scored a career-best 92 and formed crucial partnerships with Kavem Hodge and Jason Holder to fend off a determined South African side on the final day.
South Africa started the day with intent as Tony de Zorzi and Aiden Markram attacked from the outset, scoring 13 runs off Jayden Seales and adding 48 runs in the first 10 overs. Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican struck in his first over to dismiss de Zorzi, but Tristan Stubbs came in and took control of the game. Stubbs hit six fours and two sixes in his 50-ball 68, even as Markram was dismissed shortly after.
Temba Bavuma gave out an aggressive Stubbs, who reached his maiden Test fifty in just 42 balls. As a declaration seemed close, Stubbs attacked Kemar Roach, hitting a six over mid-wicket and then a cheeky lap over the keeper for four. However, in the same over, Roach bowled Stubbs, hitting his leg-stump, which led to South Africa declaring at 178/3.
West Indies had to survive 20 minutes of the first session and then bat through two more sessions with a target of 298. South Africa started strong, with Keshav Maharaj opening the bowling and dismissing Kraigg Brathwaite for a third-ball duck. Kagiso Rabada also caused some trouble as South Africa aggressively sought early wickets. However, rain provided a much-needed break for West Indies, causing an hour's delay before the second session could begin.
When playing after that, Rabada continued his strong performance, quickly dismissing Mikyle Louis with a short ball that was caught by Stubbs at mid-wicket. Kaecy Carty and Athanaze then provided the first bit of resistance for West Indies, managing to play out 8.5 overs while South Africa pushed hard for wickets. Maharaj, South Africa's standout bowler, broke the partnership by getting Carty to drive low towards cover, where Wiaan Mulder took a sharp catch.
Athanaze attempted to counter South Africa's pressure by playing some aggressive shots. The visitors had to rely on part-time spinner Aiden Markram, having opted for an extra batter in their lineup. South Africa's situation worsened with two dropped catches: Markram missed a return catch from Kavem Hodge, and Bavuma couldn't reach a nick at second slip off Maharaj's bowling. However, in the first over after Tea, Maharaj managed to get Hodge caught behind by Kyle Verreynne, dismissing him for 29.
Athanaze successfully faced South Africa's top bowlers and was nearing a century when he top-edged a sweep off Maharaj, getting out for 92. His innings helped South Africa surpass 200 runs. As the light began to fade, Bavuma and Jason Holder, who was batting, agreed to a draw.
END OF DAY'S PLAY
Wed, 07 Aug - Day 1 - South Africa 1st innings 45/1 (Tony de Zorzi 32*, Tristan Stubbs 2*, 15 ov)
Thu, 08 Aug - Day 2 - South Africa 1st innings 344/8 (Wiaan Mulder 37*, Kagiso Rabada 12*, 113 ov)
Fri, 09 Aug - Day 3 - West Indies 1st innings 145/4 (Kavem Hodge 11*, Jason Holder 13*, 67 ov)
Sat, 10 Aug - Day 4 - South Africa 2nd innings 30/0 (Tony de Zorzi 14*, Aiden Markram 9*, 5 ov)
Sun, 11 Aug - Day 5 - West Indies 2nd innings 201/5 (56.2 ov) - End of match
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