The third day of Test cricket, often termed “moving day,” lived up to its name as the second match between the West Indies and South Africa reached a swift conclusion. South Africa secured a 40-run win in Guyana, sealing the series 1-0. Jayden Seales was pivotal, claiming six wickets to dismiss South Africa early and set a 263-run target for the West Indies. Despite this, the game took a dramatic turn thanks to three-wicket hauls from Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj, along with crucial contributions from Dane Piedt and Wiaan Mulder, as the West Indies were ultimately bowled out for 222.

West Indies gained momentum but that was short-lived

The change of ball heralded a shift in momentum for the West Indies. Jomel Warrican made an impact right away, dismissing Wiaan Mulder in the first over with an arm ball that kept low, leaving Mulder trapped in front. Maharaj was out for a pair, his third consecutive duck, after being caught by Seales at mid-wicket. Seales then dismissed Kyle Verreynne, completing his five-wicket haul and driving the West Indies’ impressive turnaround during the morning session.

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.

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.

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.