A Test that seemed destined for a draw is set for a thrilling final day, weather-permitting, after South Africa grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck on the fourth evening. Despite having only two hours of play on Saturday, South Africa took a 124-run first innings’ lead after they bowled West Indies out for 233 and then scored 30 runs in five overs to put themselves in a position to push for a win.
Rain has affected every day of this Test so far, and with a yellow-level alert in place and more than 50mm of rain in some areas of the island, it seemed the match would meander, if go underway at all, today. But, after a six hour delay, play started at Queen’s Park Oval and South Africa took control. They forced a West Indian collapse of 6 for 60 in 16.1 overs to ensure they were batting again by the end of the day.
Given the amount of time lost overall, and particularly on the first and fourth days, that this much has happened is impressive enough. Only 15 overs were possible on day one and 30 were scheduled for day four and though the action was truncated, it was absorbing.
Maharaj would have had five in his next over when Kemar Roach, on 0, popped a chance up off the outside edge in the direction of David Bedingham at silly point. It needed quick reactions and a bit of luck to stick, but the ball just evaded Bedingham’s outstretched right hand.
Jayden Seales also showed some positive intent and ended Maharaj’s 39th over by hitting him over midwicket for four. Maharaj was denied the opportunity to get his tenth Test five-for by Lungi Ngidi, who replaced Rabada, bowled Seales to take his first wicket of the match. Maharaj bowled 40 overs, unchanged – from the Media Centre end, across two days in total.
With more rain expected on Sunday, South Africa were in a hurry to score as many runs as possible. So, Markam and de Zorzi went out with intent. They were busy at the crease and quick between the wickets. Markram showed his class with back-to-back cover drives off Roach’s second over. In the last over of the day, de Zorzi hit Seales in the air through point for four, and two balls later, reached for a wide ball and got a thick outside edge. Hodge, at first slip, hesitated for a millisecond and ended up getting both hands to the ball but dropped it to end a disappointing day for West Indies.
