The second Test match between South Africa and West Indies got off to a dramatic start on Day 1, as both teams showcased their bowling prowess, leaving the match finely poised by stumps.
Jayden Seales dismisses Tony de Zorzi with a peach of a delivery
In a day dominated by the bowlers, Proteas, who won the toss and elected to bat first, found themselves in early trouble. The Caribbean’s pace attack, led by the electrifying Jayden Seales, quickly put the visitors on the back foot.
The defining moment of the morning came in the 4th over of the innings when Seales delivered a brilliant inswinger to dismiss Tony de Zorzi. De Zorzi, who had just scored 1 run off 10 balls, was caught off guard by the sharp inward movement of the ball. The delivery, full and angling in from outside off, found a gap between de Zorzi’s bat and pad, crashing into the off-stump and sending it cartwheeling. Seales’ celebration reflected his excitement, as he gave the hosts the ideal start.
Here is the video:
Jayden Seales gets the 2nd Test going with a beauty!😍#WIvSA #MenInMaroon pic.twitter.com/1yX0VYBaCB
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) August 15, 2024
Also WATCH: Kavem Hodge plucks a stunning catch to dismiss Tristan Stubbs on Day 1 of the 2nd Test | WI vs SA
Shamar Joseph brilliant fifer
South Africa’s batting lineup struggled to recover from this early blow. Despite a few resilient efforts, they were bundled out for a modest 160 runs. Seales was a standout performer, finishing with figures of 3/45 from his 14 overs, maintaining an economy rate of 3.20. However, it was Shamar Joseph who stole the show with the ball, delivering a masterclass in controlled aggression. Joseph bowled 14 overs, conceding just 33 runs while taking a remarkable five wickets, his disciplined line and length suffocating the Proteas batters.
West Indies’ batters collapse
The West Indies, in response, faced similar difficulties in their first innings. Despite their bowlers’ heroics, their top order faltered under pressure from South Africa’s pace attack. At the close of play, the West Indies were struggling at 97/7 after 28.2 overs, still trailing by 63 runs. The match remains in the balance, with both sides’ batting vulnerabilities exposed on a challenging pitch.
Day 1 ended with the hosts having a slight edge due to their disciplined bowling performance, but the match is still wide open. As the second day looms, the West Indies will look to narrow the deficit, while South Africa aims to capitalize on their strong start with the ball. The contest promises to be an intense battle as both teams seek to gain a crucial upper hand in this pivotal Test match.
Also WATCH: Shamar Joseph claims Aiden Markram with a peach for his maiden home Test wicket | WI vs SA Day 1, 2nd Test
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