South Africa asserted their dominance over the West Indies in the second and final Test, securing a convincing 40-run victory on Saturday. This win extended their undefeated Test series record against the Caribbean side, dating back to their first-ever series encounter in 1998/99.
The Proteas were set a challenging target of 263 runs after West Indies fast bowler Jayden Seales’ impressive six-wicket haul in the morning session. Despite Seales’ best efforts, the home team lost wickets consistently, eventually being bowled out for 222. In a twist of fate, Seales became the final wicket to fall, dismissed by man-of-the-series Keshav Maharaj, who claimed his 13th wicket of the two-match encounter.
Maharaj’s left-arm orthodox spin proved instrumental, earning him figures of 3 for 37. Kagiso Rabada also contributed significantly with 3 for 50, bringing him one wicket away from achieving the milestone of 300 Test wickets.
Maharaj, visibly delighted with his performance, expressed satisfaction with the team’s success, particularly considering their transition phase. He highlighted his unwavering commitment to Test cricket, regardless of other formats, and praised captain Temba Bavuma for his faith in spin bowling.
South Africa faced a brief period of anxiety during a resilient 77-run partnership between Gudakesh Motie, who top-scored with 45 runs, and wicketkeeper-batsman Joshua da Silva (27). However, the reintroduction of Maharaj provided the vital breakthroughs, trapping both batsmen lbw in consecutive overs.
Bavuma then took a stunning catch off Shamar Joseph, securing Rabada’s 299th Test wicket. Maharaj ultimately completed the victory, despite a late surge from Jomel Warrican (25 not out).
The man of the match award was bestowed upon Wiaan Mulder, the seam bowling all-rounder who seized a rare opportunity in Test cricket. He claimed six wickets throughout the match and also contributed a valuable 34 runs in the second innings.
West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite acknowledged that the match’s outcome was largely determined by their batting performance in the first innings. He commended the fighting spirit shown by Motie and other lower-order batsmen but emphasized the importance of strong contributions from the top-order.
This victory marks a significant triumph for South Africa, further solidifying their dominance over the West Indies in Test cricket. It will be interesting to see how the two teams fare in future encounters.
