Although Alick Athanaze missed his first ever Test century by a whisker, he played a key role in helping West Indies draw against South Africa in the first Test at Queen’s Park Oval affected by rain on Sunday.
The visitors had set an imposing target of 298 after declaring their second innings at 173 for three just before lunch. The home side moved from a precarious 127 for four to end up with 201 for five, thanks to Athanaze’s determined knock of 92 and a vital fifth-wicket partnership of 65 runs with Jason Holder.
Keshav Maharaj was the main thorn in the flesh of West Indies, taking four wickets for 88 to finish with match figures of eight for 164.
At eighteen for two after lunch, Athanaze came out showing much patience during an over three-hour-long inning. He faced 116 balls scoring nine boundaries.
But towards the end of day one it slipped away from him. The Dominican left-hander aged only twenty-five years old who desperately wanted to get his hundred top-edged a sweep off Keshav Maharaj that Ryan Rickelton caught at backward square-leg.
Maharaj told Parami News: “It was just about dragging the length back and trying to exploit the rough outside his off-stump.” “I will give credit where it is due; he played well,” I tried not to change my game plan much but try different angles depending on where I bowled.”
During morning session Tristan Stubbs led South Africa’s charge for quick runs with an aggressive 68 off 50 balls, featuring six fours and two sixes. Tony de Zorzi (45) and Aiden Markram (38) added more strength to Tristan Stubbs’ maiden Test half-century before Temba Bavuma called them back when Kemar Roach hit their partner Stubs on stump on Thursday.
“I thought there would be some more spin towards the end of the game,” said Bavuma. “Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time in the two innings and some amount of natural hindrances in what should have been an exciting tight contest.”
Kraigg Brathwaite, West Indies captain who was caught at point off Maharaj for nought in the first over, maintained that his side could have gone after that target. “It was always going to be tough but I told the guys to back their plans 100% at the wicket.”
Rain significantly interfered with play, leading to the loss of over two days’ worth of action casting doubts on whether or not last Test will take place. The next match is scheduled to begin on Thursday at Guyana National Stadium but there are concerns regarding its weather impact as well.
