Joseph’s five-wicket haul shines amid chaotic day as West Indies struggle

GEORGETOWN,Guyana: Fast bowler Shamar Joseph delivered a brilliant performance, taking five wickets to help bowl South Africa out for 160 on the opening day of the second and final Test in Guyana. However, the West Indies are in trouble at 97 for seven in reply on a lively pitch, with 17 wickets falling in a dramatic day of cricket.

After South Africa won the toss and elected to bat, Joseph’s superb seam bowling wreaked havoc, making the most of the movement off the pitch and through the air. His efforts ensured the visitors were unable to post a more competitive total. But the day was far from ideal for the home side, who found themselves in a precarious position.

Wiaan Mulder led the South African attack, tearing through the West Indies’ top order with career-best figures of 4-18. His disciplined bowling saw captain Kraigg Brathwaite bowled for just three runs, and he claimed a spectacular one-handed caught and bowled to dismiss Alick Athanaze for one.

The West Indies found themselves in deep trouble at 56-6 before Jason Holder mounted a valiant counter-attack. Holder, unbeaten on 33, shared a 41-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Gudakesh Motie (11) to offer some resistance. However, Motie fell to the final delivery of the day, trapped leg before wicket by spinner Keshav Maharaj, as the pitch began to take turn.