Rabada was dismissed next, edging a delivery to first slip, while Nandre Burger also went without scoring as Seales took a sharp reflex catch off his own bowling. South Africa’s innings collapsed on the third morning, with the final five wickets falling for just 23 runs, leaving them all out for 246.
Tight bowling by South Africa
Kraigg Brathwaite and Mikyle Louis began their chase cautiously against Rabada and Burger, who bowled tight lines. Brathwaite managed to drive a backfoot shot through the covers for four off Burger. Rabada induced an edge from Louis, which Mulder caught at third slip. Keacy Carty continued his aggressive approach, driving a full ball from Burger through the covers. Both Carty and Brathwaite consistently found the boundary before lunch, keeping the West Indies in the game at 43 for 1.
A loose delivery from Burger allowed Brathwaite to score four runs off his pads. Mulder, who had taken four wickets in the first innings, dismissed Brathwaite LBW for 25 shortly after. Mulder struck again soon after, removing Carty, who dragged a delivery onto his stumps, providing South Africa with a crucial breakthrough.
Kavem Hodge played with intent, hitting Rabada for two boundaries in one over and continuing to target him. Despite his efforts, Rabada had the final say, dismissing Hodge as he chopped a delivery onto his stumps. Dane Piedt claimed his first wicket when Athanaze’s sweep resulted in a top edge, comfortably caught by Markram at first slip. Jason Holder was out for a duck, caught at long-on, leaving the West Indies at 104 for 6 close to tea.
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Gudakesh Motie and Joshua da Silva then formed a 77-run partnership, playing aggressively against the spinners to revive the West Indies’ chances. However, Maharaj dismissed Motie for 45 with an arm ball that trapped him LBW. The situation worsened when da Silva was given out to a ball that straightened after pitching, reducing the West Indies to eight down.
South Africa clinched a thrilling win against West Indies to take the series 1-0 🔥#WTC25 | #WIvSA 📝: https://t.co/vXt7sYAHgc pic.twitter.com/ilYIsot9cN
— ICC (@ICC) August 18, 2024
Temba Bavuma pulled off a spectacular catch, leaping to grab a delivery with his right hand and dismiss Shamar Joseph, giving Rabada his third wicket. Warrican showed some resistance with a four and a six, but Maharaj induced an inside edge, caught by David Bedingham at forward short leg. South Africa secured a 40-run victory, sealing both the match and the series.
