South Africa have maintained a stronghold over the West Indies throughout the first Test in Port of Spain. At the close of Day 4, the visitors have solidified their position, leading by 154 runs without losing a wicket in their second innings, setting the stage for a potentially decisive final day.
South Africa’s aggressive approach
After securing a crucial 125-run lead in the first innings, South Africa’s openers approached their second innings with a clear intent to dominate. Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi added 30 runs in just five overs before the end of the day, signaling their intent to extend the lead rapidly. Markram, in particular, was in sublime touch, playing some exquisite cover drives off Kemar Roach, demonstrating the team’s aggressive mindset as they aim to put the game beyond the West Indies’ reach.
Bowling masterclass from Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada
Day 4 was significantly shortened by rain, with the first two sessions completely washed out. However, South Africa’s bowlers made the most of the limited play, bowling out the West Indies for 233. Keshav Maharaj was the star with the ball, delivering a masterful spell of spin bowling, finishing with figures of 40-15-76-4. Kagiso Rabada provided the perfect pace complement, chipping in with three crucial wickets. The West Indies batters struggled to convert their starts, with most getting into the 20s and 30s but failing to go on to make substantial contributions.
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Jomel Warrican’s resistance delays the inevitable
The West Indies’ lower order showed some fight, led by Jomel Warrican, who played a gutsy innings of 35 off 32 balls. Warrican’s quick runs, along with some resilient partnerships with Roach and Jayden Seales, added vital runs to the West Indies’ total. Warrican’s aggressive approach helped reduce the deficit, but the hosts still ended up conceding a substantial first-innings lead. The final wicket fell when Lungi Ngidi cleaned up Seales, bringing an end to the West Indies’ innings and putting South Africa in a commanding position.
South Africa eyes a dominant finish
As the final day approaches, South Africa’s openers are well set to pile on more runs and extend their lead, with Markram and de Zorzi both looking confident at the crease. The dropped catch by Kavem Hodge in the final over of the day added to the West Indies’ woes, encapsulating their frustrations. South Africa will aim to bat the hosts out of the game and push for a comprehensive victory on Day 5, while the West Indies will need to summon all their resolve to avoid defeat.
South Africa takes control in rain-truncated Trinidad Test
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— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 11, 2024
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