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South Africa ended Day 3 of their first Test against the West Indies in Port of Spain, Trinidad, as the happier side, thanks to Keshav Maharaj’s brilliant spell in the final session.
The day began with South Africa resuming at 344/8, with Wiaan Mulder and Kagiso Rabada at the crease. The Proteas could only add 13 runs to their overnight total before being bowled out for 357, with Mulder left stranded on 41. Jomel Warrican was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 4/69 in 22 overs. Jayden Seales also impressed with three wickets, while Kemar Roach grabbed two on his return from injury. Jason Holder chipped in with one wicket as well.
The West Indies started cautiously with Kraigg Brathwaite and Mikyle Louis adding 53 runs in 27 overs before Louis was dismissed by Maharaj for a 90-ball 35. Debutant Keacy Carty then joined his captain at the crease, and together, they added 61 runs off 136 balls, taking the West Indies to 114/1. However, the home side quickly lost three wickets, slumping to 124/4.
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Facing a difficult situation, the West Indies needed to stabilize their innings. Kavem Hodge and the experienced Jason Holder managed to do so, batting for 63 balls and adding 21 runs together. The Windies ended the day at 145/4, still trailing South Africa’s first innings total by 212 runs.
Maharaj was the standout performer for South Africa. On a pitch offering little turn, the left-arm spinner used his variations in pace and angles to trouble the West Indies batters. He claimed the wickets of Louis, Carty, and Alick Athanaze. However, the biggest blow for the home side on Day 3 was the run out of their captain, who appeared a bit sluggish in sliding his bat. Brathwaite was well-set at the crease, batting on 35 off 121 balls before his dismissal. The West Indies will be hoping that their overnight pair can add as many runs as possible on Day 4, as they have a long tail in this match. South Africa, meanwhile, remains firmly in control.
STUMPS ||
WI end day 3 on 145-4 (67) still trailing by 212 run in their 1st innings.
Hodge 11*
Holder 13*Maharaj 3-45 (28) #SAvWI #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/dwryrsUxic
— Lawrence Bailey ⚪ 🇿🇦 (@LawrenceBailey0) August 9, 2024
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