WI VS RSA - 2nd Test, South Africa tour of West Indies, 2024

A fascinating game to conclude the Test series as SA edged WI by 1-0. After the first Test was rain-affected and ended as a draw, this game saw a number of ups and downs and kept everyone hooked until the final outcome. The Proteas seized the crunch moments and had that killer instinct that enabled them to come out victorious. The hosts had their moments but weren’t consistent enough and that cost them the game. The fielding and catching were also a let down for WI – the margin for error is low and these things make a massive difference in these kinds of close games. The pitch had a lot of assistance for the seamers and they made merry. The batters who applied themselves scored runs. All in all, a great game of cricket. We hope you enjoyed our coverage. There’s a few days’ break and then the action shifts to a 3-match T20I series between these two sides. Join us for the 1st T20I from Tarouba next Friday. Until next time, cheers and goodbye!

Bavuma: The emotions were little bit up and down. Glad the weather held up. Both teams were in the game. We had to keep working hard. The game went our way fortunately. With a bit of inexperience, you kind of expect that. We leant on to the bowlers to deliver for us. Rabada leading the pacers and the spin department was led by Keshav. We just need to keep building. We are an inexperienced team. The more the guys play, the more confident they will become. We can be a formidable side.

Brathwaite: Our first innings total was bad. We did well with the ball on the first day. The mindset was to have intent. We didn't get the partnerships. There was some fight from Motie and the lower order. Some rash shots in the first innings. Our first innings was crucial. Bowlers did a fantastic job after losing the toss. We fought and fought back. The sky is the limit. Seales is a star. Joseph is similar. We also have Kemar who didn't play. Very exciting indeed with the paceres we have.

Maharaj, Player of the Series: Was nice to get a long haul. We did well. We enjoyed it. Lot of positives. But back to the drawing board and on to the next one. I pride myself on Test cricket. Just staying loyal to the game. Bavuma allows me to read the game.

Mulder, Player of the Match: I just want to play. I wanted an oppurtunity. I am happy to get a chance. I tried to play in England. They indicated me what they wanted of me. I just try keep doing my best. I just tried to bowl wobble seam balls. When I try to swing, I lose my lines. Basically, I tried to bowl it at the sticks.

Seales and Joseph tried their hearts out. They bowled with fire and aggression. The wicket suited their style as well. But SA applied themselves better and that has helped them to clinch this. Mulder's contribution with the ball and the bat has helped the SA unit immensely. They had gone in with two spinners for this game and Piedt's contribution with the bat is where it all started for the SA unit. His valuable runs in the end were priceless.

17:27 Local Time, 21:27 GMT, 02:57 IST: Windies would be gutted here. They came so close. They fought hard but have lost this by 40 runs. Windies had Joseph and Seales doing the bulk of the damage on day 1. SA were bowled out for 160. Windies didn't reply well and were shunted out for 144. SA batted better in the next essay and 263 as a target was never easy. Windies batted better as well but needed some more from their top and middle order. SA had their spinners come to the party in the final innings and five of the ten wickets were taken by the spinners. In hindsight, the last wicket pair of Piedt and Burger added 63 for the final wicket on day 1 for SA and that has made all the difference. Both teams played well but SA played the crucial moments better and hence have notched up this win.

Maharaj to Jayden Seales, out Caught by Bedingham!! Seales has to go. SA take the Test and series by 40 runs. Windies tried hard but have lost this. Was a tossed up delivery, turned in, Jayden Seales lunged at it and inside edged it. The man at FSL grabbed it and some happy scenes in the Windies for the SA team. A series win for the visitors after the first Test was drawn. Jayden Seales c Bedingham b Maharaj 4(8) [4s-1]

Maharaj to Jayden Seales, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

Maharaj to Jayden Seales, FOUR, fuller length delivery, outside off, Jayden Seales gets under the ball and spanks it over mid-off for a four. That was hit hard and into the gap. 41 needed now

Rabada to Warrican, no run, angling in, tucked down to the man at square leg

Rabada to Warrican, no run, length delivery, outside off, Warrican stays his crease and pats the ball down onto the off-side

Rabada to Warrican, no run, 45 needed now. Length delivery, Warrican gets behind it and defends it back to the bowler

Rabada to Warrican, FOUR, back of a length delivery, outside off, Warrican gets squared up and pokes at it to get it wide of the cordon for a four. Was well played by Warrican

Rabada to Warrican, no run, gets behind the line of the delivery and defends it down into the off-side

Rabada to Warrican, no run, back of a length delivery, outside off, Warrican looks to have a waft at it and misses. The ball flew low to the keeper

Maharaj to Warrican, 1 run, very full, outside off, Warrican walks across and nudges the ball down to deep mid for a single

Maharaj to Warrican, SIX, well tossed up delivery, outside off, Warrican sits down and slog sweeps it over deep mid. Massive hit from Warrican as he climbed into the shot

Maharaj to Warrican, no run, tossed up delivery, Warrican defends it

Maharaj to Warrican, no run, the keeper whipped the bails off. But the batter didn't move his back foot. Was a tossed up delivery outside off and Warrican went for the slog sweep and missed