In a thrilling opening day of the second Test in Guyana on Thursday, August 15, South Africa managed to gain a slender advantage over the West Indies despite being bowled out for a modest total of 160. As the action unfolded on a pitch offering significant assistance to the bowlers, a total of 17 wickets fell, highlighting the dominance of bowlers from both teams. The West Indies, however, may lament missing an opportunity to seize control after reducing the Proteas to a precarious position at 97/9 before South Africa staged a determined fightback with both bat and ball.
The visitors won the toss and elected to bat first on what appeared to be a challenging surface. However, the steep downturn they encountered was unexpected. South Africa’s batting began to unravel early, starting with opener Toni de Zorzi falling to a beautiful delivery from Jayden Seales that kissed the outside edge and landed safely in the wicketkeeper’s gloves in just the fourth over of the innings. This early breakthrough was a harbinger of struggles to come.
As pressure mounted, Shamar Joseph then bowled a brilliant spell, cleaning up Aiden Markram and trapping Captain Temba Bavuma lbw just two balls into his innings. This left South Africa struggling at 20/3, a position fraught with uncertainty and vulnerability.
The middle order attempted to stem the collapse, with Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham forming a resolute partnership. They displayed considerable skill and composure, negotiating the menacing seam movement extracted by Joseph and Seales. However, their resistance was short-lived. The duo managed to add some stability, but the 72-ball partnership came to an abrupt end when Jason Holder found an edge off Stubbs’ bat, sending him back for 26 runs.
The dismissal of Stubbs marked the beginning of another slide, as Bedingham too followed soon, captured by a sharp catch off Joseph’s bowling. This dismissal triggered a disheartening collapse, with South Africa plummeting from a precarious 78/4 to an alarming 97/9. It seemed the innings might end in tatters were it not for the unexpected valor of the lower order.
Nandre Burger and Dane Piedt, both selected primarily for their bowling prowess, showcased exceptional resilience with the bat.
. They faced the barrage from Joseph and Seales with commendable fortitude, successfully deflecting deliveries and showing great defensive acumen. Piedt, in particular, did not shy away from attacking opportunities whenever they arose, bringing some vigor to the tail-end of the innings.
Their stand was crucial, and South Africa’s innings eventually concluded for 160 runs, with Gudakesh Motie wrapping things up by trapping Burger lbw. The total, albeit modest, was notably more than what seemed probable earlier in their innings.
With the ball, South Africa responded emphatically. Nandre Burger, brimming with confidence from his performance with the bat, made an immediate impact by sending back Mickyle Louis in his very first over. Kagiso Rabada, however, was unable to make breakthroughs in his initial spell, but it was Wiaan Mulder’s medium pace that ignited a South African surge.
Mulder struck twice in quick succession, dismissing West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite and the standout performer from the first Test, Alick Athanaze, in consecutive overs. This double strike initiated a procession of wickets, mirroring South Africa’s earlier woes. Mulder and Burger created further inroads, and within a short span, the West Indies found themselves in a dire situation, having lost half their side.
A brief period of consolidation ensued with Jason Holder and Gudakesh Motie attempting to stabilize the innings. Their partnership of 41 runs began resembling the vital Piedt-Burger stand that had lifted South Africa. However, Keshav Maharaj, who has a knack for breaking partnerships, struck just before the close of play.
By stumps, the West Indies were left trailing by 63 runs, precisely the number of runs added by Piedt and Burger in their record 10th wicket partnership. Jason Holder, anchored unbeaten on 33, remains crucial to the host’s efforts to narrow down the deficit when the action resumes. The stage is set for an intriguing second day, with both teams having everything to play for in a Test match that has already showcased high drama and fluctuating fortunes.
