South Africa clinched their 10th consecutive Test series win against the West Indies, securing a crucial 40-run victory in Guyana to earn their second win in the 2023-25 World Test Championship. The match saw Keshav Maharaj solidify his legacy as South Africa’s most successful Test spinner, taking 171 wickets, including five in this match and 13 across the series. However, Jayden Seales of the West Indies also shone brightly, claiming 12 wickets in the series, with a career-best 6 for 61 in South Africa’s second innings.
Despite Seales’ heroics, West Indies fell short in their chase of 263, finishing at 222 all out. The game was poised for a thrilling finish when hometown hero Gudakesh Motie and Joshua Da Silva staged a 77-run stand to push their team within sight of victory. Yet, Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada, South Africa’s trusted bowlers, held their nerve to seal the win.
The series was characterized by a dominant performance from the bowlers, with no centuries scored in either Test. South Africa’s batsmen, however, managed to eke out valuable runs in key moments. A crucial 63-run tenth-wicket stand between Dane Piedt and Nandre Burger in the first innings proved decisive, as did fifties from Kyle Verreynne and Aiden Markram in the second innings.
West Indies faced an uphill battle on a challenging pitch in Guyana. Rabada struck early to remove Mikyle Louis, and although West Indies reached lunch at 43 for 1, they struggled to build partnerships. Wiaan Mulder, South Africa’s third seamer, played a vital role, dismissing Kraig Braithwaite and Keacy Carty to leave West Indies reeling at 104 for 6. Motie and Da Silva’s resistance brought hope, but Maharaj’s skillful spin proved too much for the lower order.
Rabada’s brilliance in the field, including a stunning catch by Temba Bavuma to dismiss Shamar Joseph, further tilted the balance. Maharaj then sealed the match by trapping Seales leg before to hand South Africa a hard-earned victory.
With this win, South Africa climbs to fifth on the World Test Championship points table, while West Indies languish in ninth place. The series may have been low on runs, but it was rich in drama, tension, and individual brilliance, with Maharaj’s milestone and Seales’ breakthrough performances standing out as highlights.
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