SA VS WI TESTS

Right then, Temba Bavuma collects the trophy and joins his teammates. All smiles in the Proteas camp as they pose with the trophy to mark the end of the 2024 Sir Vivian Richards Trophy. With this result, South Africa have climbed a couple of places to 5th in the World Test Championship standings while the West Indies remain at the bottom of the table for now. South Africa's tour of the West Indies isn't over yet. The action now moves to Trinidad for a three-match T20I series. All games will be held at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, with the first T20I set for Saturday, August 24. The first ball will be bowled at 12.30 am IST (1900 GMT, the previous day). As always, we'll be here to bring you all the action. Until then, goodbye and take care!

Temba Bavuma, skipper of South Africa says that the game was full of ups and downs and it was a proper game of Test cricket. He continues that he is glad that the weather held up for this game. He also says that the bowlers did a phenomenal job and helped them get back in the game. He also says that the batters lacked a bit of experience but feels that they will learn from their mistakes. Praises Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj for taking their responsibilities as experienced players. Ends up saying that they can play better cricket and they will surely gain a lot of experience and be a better team.

Kraigg Brathwaite, the captain of West Indies is up for a quick chat. He begins by saying that their first innings were ordinary but also says that they did well when they came out to bowl. Says that their mindset was to go out with the intent, but failed to create partnerships. Appreciates Motie and the lower middle order for showing some resilience with the bat. Accepts that they didn't do enough to get ahead in the game and kept losing their wickets playing rash shots. Also mentions about Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales for bowling exceptionally well and says that the two are growing in confidence. Ends by saying that they fought back really well and the sky is the limit for them.

Keshav Maharaj is the PLAYER OF THE SERIES for his superb showing with the ball throughout the series. He says that he is happy to get the win. He continues that it is a transition phase for the team and they enjoyed playing it. He also says that there are a lot of positives to take away from the match. He states that he is always ready for Test cricket for his nation no matter what. Ends up saying that he is overwhelmed to win this series.

Wiaan Mulder is adjudged as the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his exceptional performance with the ball. He is up for a chat. He says he just wanted an opportunity to play for his country. Adds he has been out of action in Test cricket and thanks the management for trusting in him. Tells that he has tried to play as much cricket as possible and always tries to give his best every time he has gotten the opportunity. Mentions that he tried to bowl wobble seam deliveries which helped him to garner most of the success. Ends by saying that he is pleased with his performance.

Time for the presentation ceremony...

The match proved to be an enthralling contest from the outset. South Africa, opting to bat first, struggled against the local talent Shamar Joseph, supported by Jayden Seales, who dismantled their batting lineup. Joseph's five-wicket haul left South Africa reeling at 97/9, but a gritty last-wicket stand of 63 between Dane Piedt and Nandre Burger pushed the total to 160. In response, the West Indies faced similar difficulties against the South African pace trio of Mulder, Burger, and Rabada. Jason Holder's resilient half-century, alongside a spirited partnership with Shamar Joseph, reduced the deficit to just 16 runs before Keshav Maharaj wrapped up the innings.

As the game progressed, batting conditions improved with the pitch easing up, allowing South Africa to build a solid 79-run opening stand through Markram and de Zorzi. However, the West Indies fought back valiantly with Jayden Seales leading a probing spell that resulted in crucial breakthroughs. Gudakesh Motie further tilted the balance with important wickets, before Kyle Verreynne and Wiaan Mulder steadied the ship to see South Africa through to the close of play on Day 2.

Earlier, South Africa started the day with a 239-run lead, but their innings suffered a dramatic collapse. After a previous collapse that saw them lose 4 wickets for 19 runs, another downfall followed, leading to the loss of their last 5 wickets for just 23 runs. What could have been a much larger lead was curtailed, with the visitors having to settle for 262 on the board. Jayden Seales was the chief wrecker, finishing with career-best figures of 6 for 61. In reply, Kagiso Rabada dented West Indies early before Kraigg Brathwaite and Keacy Carty saw their side through till Lunch.

While West Indies dominated the morning session, South Africa seized control in the afternoon. Wiaan Mulder made an early impact by dismissing West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite, setting the tone for the session. Keacy Carty, who had earlier been reprieved due to a no-ball, squandered his second chance and failed to capitalize. Kavem Hodge, coming in at number 4, showed some intent but couldn’t hang around for long. Alick Athanaze and Jason Holder both perished attempting big shots against Dane Piedt, which only compounded the hosts' troubles. By Tea, West Indies found themselves in a precarious position. The lack of experience in handling the disciplined South African bowling, combined with the mounting pressure, led to a series of mistakes, ultimately putting the hosts on the back foot.

The third session of Day 3 began with West Indies precariously placed at 127 for 6, still 136 runs behind with just 4 wickets in hand. The hosts found a glimmer of hope through a fighting partnership between Gudakesh Motie and Joshua Da Silva. Motie opted for an aggressive approach against the spinners, while Da Silva focused on rotating the strike. As the partnership grew and the required runs dipped into the 80s, South Africa needed a breakthrough. Keshav Maharaj, reintroduced into the attack, answered his captain's call. He dismissed both set batters in quick succession, with both LBW decisions could have gone either way but the all-important on-field call went South Africa's way. This double blow swung the momentum back in South Africa's direction, putting them firmly in control. The Windies' tail offered stiff resistance and made South Africa wait for the win, but ultimately, the Proteas' persistence paid off, securing their victory and the series.

South Africa retain the Sir Vivian Richards Trophy! A thoroughly captivating Test, where the pendulum swung back and forth, but in the end, the Proteas emerged victorious, winning both the Test and the series. As per Daren Ganga on air, this is now the 10th consecutive Test series win for South Africa against the West Indies. Despite showing promise across both Tests, the West Indies lacked the experience, especially in the batting department, to counter South Africa's formidable bowling attack.

OUT! TAKEN! IT IS SOUTH AFRICA! THEY HAVE CLINCHED THE SERIES WINNING THIS SECOND TEST BY 40 RUNS! Keshav Maharaj bowls fuller and just outside off, and gets a sharp turn towards the middle and leg stump channel. Jayden Seales plants his front foot ahead and looks to turn it with the spin. But ends up chipping it off the inside half of the willow to short leg. David Bedingham in that position quickly reacts and gets his hands in the direction of the ball, and takes the catch in his safe pair of hands. The South African players flock around in jubilation and are all pumped up and why not?

OUT! TAKEN! IT IS SOUTH AFRICA! THEY HAVE CLINCHED THE SERIES WINNING THIS SECOND TEST BY 40 RUNS! Keshav Maharaj bowls fuller and just outside off, and gets a sharp turn towards the middle and leg stump channel. Jayden Seales plants his front foot ahead and looks to turn it with the spin. But ends up chipping it off the inside half of the willow to short leg. David Bedingham in that position quickly reacts and gets his hands in the direction of the ball, and takes the catch in his safe pair of hands. The South African players flock around in jubilation and are all pumped up and why not?

FOUR! Jayden Seales is just not there to give support, he is proving that he can play as well! Fuller delivery outside off. Jayden Seales prods ahead and lofts it lover mid off for another four important runs.

Fuller and on middle, angling in. Jomel Warrican nudges it towards square leg for no runs.

Good-length delivery outside off. Jomel Warrican hangs back inside his crease and dabs it towards his off side.