Alick Athanaze missed out on a maiden Take a look at century however performed the important thing position in making certain the protection of a draw for the West Indies in opposition to South Africa on the ultimate day of the rain-affected first Take a look at of a two-match collection at Queen’s Park Oval on Sunday. Set the unlikely victory goal of 298 after the Proteas declared their second innings at 173 for 3 simply earlier than lunch, Atahanze’s decided 92 and a fifth-wicket partnership of 65 with Jason Holder (31 not out) guided the hosts from the discomfort of 127 for 4 simply after tea to 201 for 5 on the finish of play.
As within the first innings, Keshav Maharaj introduced the best menace to the hosts, the left-arm orthodox spinner claiming 4 for 88 to complete with match figures of eight for 164.
Coming to the crease with the West Indies in bother at 18 for 2 simply after lunch because of early strikes by Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada, Athanaze displayed admirable restraint in an innings spanning over three hours throughout which he confronted 116 balls and stroked 9 fours.
Nevertheless that self-discipline wavered with the top of play in sight because the 25-year-old left-hander from Dominica, clearly eager to get to the landmark, top-edged a sweep off Maharaj to present Ryan Rickelton a cushty catch at backward square-leg.
“It was nearly dragging the size again and attempting to take advantage of the tough outdoors his off-stump,” mentioned participant of the match Maharaj in explaining his plan to assert Athanaze’s wicket.
“Full credit score should go to him although for the way in which he performed. I simply tried to stay to my plans and utilise totally different angles from the crease.”
Earlier, Tristan Stubbs‘ aggressive 68 off 50 balls (six fours, two sixes) led the Proteas’ pursuit of fast runs on a vivid, sweltering morning.
‘Not sufficient time’
His maiden Take a look at half-century was supported by openers Tony de Zorzi (45) and Aiden Markram (38) in scoring at virtually a run-a-ball earlier than captain Temba Bavuma declared when Stubbs was bowled by veteran seamer Kemar Roach.
“We anticipated the wicket to interrupt up just a little greater than it did,” Bavuma mentioned.
“Ultimately we simply did not have sufficient time, plus the weather acquired in the way in which of what may have been a extremely good aggressive sport of cricket.”
West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite, who fell within the first over of the innings, slicing an formidable lofted drive to cowl off Maharaj, was not excited about a draw when he walked out to bat with opening accomplice Mikyle Louis.
“We believed we may have gotten the runs,” he said bluntly.
“We knew it wasn’t going to be simple, however my message to the boys was to again themselves and absolutely decide to their plans on the crease.”
Given the numerous interruptions by rain – greater than two days’ taking part in time was misplaced – there’s already concern the second and remaining Take a look at, scheduled for the Guyana Nationwide Stadium from Thursday, may even endure the same destiny.
It once more raises questions in regards to the knowledge of scheduling worldwide cricket – particularly Take a look at matches – within the southern Caribbean on the coronary heart of the wet season.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV workers and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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