West Indies Crumble for 250, but Holder’s Unbeaten 81 Limits the Deficit

An incredible batting display of Jason Holder with 81 not out ensures that Proteas are getting the lead of only 69 runs in the first innings. 

In response to 320 from South Africa, Windies were found unmanaged and lost their 8 wickets in the score of just 162 runs. South Africa was looking for a lead of more than 100 runs. However, Jason Holder managed to forge some crucial partnerships with Kemar Roach and Gudakesh Motie. In the last two wickets, Windies added 89 runs and restricted the lead to only 69 runs. 

The day started with a great batting display from Proteas’ top order. At first, Elgar and Markram stepped by hitting some quick runs but Elgar got out on the ball of Gudakesh Motie. But then Markram and Zorzi started showing their scalability and built a partnership of over 100 runs. In the end, South Africa managed to score 320 runs 

Hurried South Africa lost their eight wickets for just 82 runs. West Indies had the opportunity to stay ahead of the game by scoring some important runs but both the openers got out when the score was just 22 runs. Later on, Blackwood and Reifer also got out at a cheap score. However, then Roston Chase and Mayers managed to score and build a small partnership of 52 runs. 

But after lunch, Mulder thrashes the stump of Roston Chase and Mayers also gets out on the ball of Rabada. Mayers was already struggling with short balls from Rabada. West Indies was looking very uncomfortable with this bowling lineup but then Holder and Joshua De Silva built a 41-run partnership before Joshua got out off Simon Harmer. 

Later, Maharaj got Alzarri Joseph in the next over. Then Roach found comfort against the spinners and gave some contribution with Jason Holder. But then, Roach got out on the ball of Gerald Coetzee. West Indies was just at 193 when they lost their ninth wicket. Africa planned to get them out under 200 runs. 

However, Holder had some different plans and he switched his gears successfully. Holder scored 81 runs on 117 balls with 8 fours and 4 sixes. Gudakesh Motie also played his role very well, he supported Jason Holder scoring 17 runs off 40 balls with 3 boundaries. 

This partnership brought Windies’ score to 251 runs. Then Motie got out at covers where Bavuma took an easy catch. In this way, Windies have managed to minimize the overall lead just to 69 runs. 

After the innings, South Africa successfully managed to negotiate three overs safely without losing a single wicket. This way, the day went to an end and South Africa scored 4 runs in three overs. 

Now, we are waiting for the next day when South Africa would like to grow the lead on the third day of the match. So, let’s see with what approach South Africa is coming to dominate over West Indies. 

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