SA VS WI TESTS

Right then, that's a wrap on the first Test of the 2024 Sir Vivian Richards Trophy. Despite the weather interruptions, we witnessed some compelling cricket. South Africa will be disappointed with the outcome, especially after having the upper hand for most of the match. The wicket did not deteriorate as much as typical Day 5 surfaces do, and credit to the West Indies for their resilience. They managed to secure a draw despite being under pressure, with a standout contribution from Alick Athanaze. The series is set for an exciting conclusion in the second and final Test starting on Thursday, August 15, at the Guyana National Stadium. We hope for better weather and more thrilling cricket. The first ball will be bowled at 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT). As always, you can join us early for the build-up. Until then, take care and goodbye!

Kraigg Brathwaite the skipper of West Indies says that he is happy with the intent shown on Day 5. Adds that they believed that they could get runs and they knew it wasn't going to be an easy chase but it was great to see how the batters came up to the challenge and the confidence will only grow hereon. Further talks about the collapse in the first innings and says it's all about belief and planning and when playing against world-class bowlers who are consistent, they have to take note of how Alick Athanaze played and executed the plans. Concludes that they will assess a few things for the next game and look to come back stronger.

The captain of South Africa, Temba Bavuma says that they tried their best to get the result in their favour. Feels that the wicket did not break up as much as they expected. Further says that it was a good and competitive game of cricket. Shares that they went in with an extra batter as a cushion. Reckons that as batters, they need to be a bit more ruthless and convert those fifties into hundreds. Tells that they tried their best with the resources they had. Adds that had they had a little bit more time, the story could have been different. Opines that Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada were best suited to get wickets on a surface like this.

Keshav Maharaj is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his brilliant effort with the ball, picking 8 wickets in the Test. He says that he prides himself on playing Test cricket and wants to keep things simple and do well for the side. Further says that he tries to read the conditions early and then utilize the fields to combat batters. On the battle with Alick Athanaze, he says he tried to vary the lengths and keep hitting that rough and it created a few chances but luckily for him, despite how well Athanaze played, it got him the wicket.

Time for the presentation ceremony...

Day 1 kicked off on a high note as Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bat without hesitation under clear skies. The opening duo, Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi laid a solid foundation, with Tony taking the lead as the aggressor while Markram, though not fully settled, managed to weather the initial overs. The momentum shifted when Jason Holder struck immediately, removing Aiden with the very first ball of his spell, bringing the match into balance. Unfortunately, rain soon intervened, halting play for the day with the scoreboard at 45/1 after 15 overs.

With an early start on Day 2, the disappointment of lost time on Day 1 was quickly forgotten as an uninterrupted day of play unfolded. South Africa capitalized on the favourable conditions, with four 50-plus partnerships anchoring their innings. Skipper Temba Bavuma led from the front, around whom the rest of the batting lineup built solid foundations and played with freedom. Just as South Africa appeared to have taken full control of the day's proceedings, Jomel Warrican turned the tide, delivering a crucial blow by taking two wickets in two balls. His efforts provided the West Indies with the strong finish they needed, leaving the Proteas at 344/8 at the close of play.

After a largely uninterrupted Day 2, the rain made its presence felt on Day 3, allowing only 71.4 overs of play. The day started with South Africa aiming to push their first-innings total closer to 400, but they could only add 13 runs to their overnight score, finishing at 357. In response, the West Indies openers made a steady start, but Mikyle Louis and Kraigg Brathwaite were dismissed just as they appeared to be settling in. Debutant Keacy Carty also fell after showing promise, leaving the hosts struggling at the close of play, trailing by 212 runs with six wickets in hand.

Day 4 looked bleak for most of the six-hour wait, with the weather threatening to wipe out play entirely. However, thanks to the relentless efforts of the ground staff, a two-hour session was eventually squeezed in. Unfortunately for the West Indies, a familiar collapse ensued on the rain-affected day. The hosts crumbled from 173-4 to be bowled out for 233, handing South Africa a 124-run lead. With just 20 minutes left in the day, Tony de Zorzi and Aiden Markram took a few chances but managed to see off the day without losing a wicket, extending South Africa's lead to 154 runs

Earlier in the day, South Africa resumed their innings with a 154-run lead. The openers began with intent, and Tristan Stubbs played his part effectively, keeping the runs flowing. Stubbs ramped up the scoring rate as South Africa aimed to make the West Indies bat before lunch. As soon as Stubbs was dismissed for 68, Temba Bavuma decided to declare, setting the West Indies a target of 298 runs. In reply, the hosts were dealt an early blow as Kraigg Brathwaite fell playing an uncharacteristic shot. Keacy Carty survived an LBW scare before rain arrived to bring an early end to the first session.

The second session commenced after an hour's delay, under clear blue skies. Kagiso Rabada quickly made an impact, outwitting Mikyle Louis with a clever sequence of deliveries. While Keacy Carty once again squandered a promising start, Alick Athanaze and Kavem Hodge managed to calm any nerves that arose after the early losses in the top order. Athanaze, in particular, displayed clear thinking in dealing with the Proteas' bowling attack, effectively using sweeps and reverse sweeps to counter Keshav Maharaj.

As the third and final session of the Test began, all four results were still possible. South Africa needed 7 more wickets, while the West Indies required 177 runs to achieve what seemed like an unlikely victory. Keshav Maharaj's early strike gave the visitors a boost, and with the dismissal of Kavem Hodge, the West Indies had to reassess their approach to the chase. Despite losing his partner, Alick Athanaze continued his impressive innings from the second session, while Jason Holder also gained momentum as the innings progressed. Both managed to defy the Proteas bowlers and steer the West Indies towards safety. Athanaze fell 8 runs short of his maiden Test century, but his partnership with Holder ensured the West Indies secured a draw.

Temba Bavuma walks up to Jason Holder and shakes hands, signalling the end of the match. And that’s it - this first Test fizzles into a DRAW! If not for the rain, and had we gotten even one more session in this Test, we might have seen a result other than a draw. Although the conclusion wasn't as dramatic as some might have hoped, it’s worth noting that the match did reach the final session with all four results still possible. It was a Test that kept us on the edge of our seats, even if the final act fell short of delivering a decisive finish.

SIX! BANG! Jason Holder responds to the attacking field with a maximum! Brings up 200 runs for West Indies! This is full and on middle and off, Jason Holder clears his front leg out and clubs it straight over the bowler's head for a maximum. With that the teams exchange handshakes and call it a draw.

With a jam-packed field around the batter, Maharaj bowls it quicker and fuller on the stumps, Jason Holder watchfully defends it.

On a nagging length and outside off, Joshua Da Silva gets ahead and makes a solid block.

Gives the ball some air and lands it around off, Joshua Da Silva lunges and pushes it out to the off side.